Due to the size and weight of tractor trailer trucks, truck accidents frequently cause very serious injuries and can even cause death. Unfortunately, the Ohio Valley is not immune. We see serious truck accidents every year in both West Virginia and Ohio on I-70, Rt. 2, Rt. 7, Rt. 250, and other local roads throughout our communities. Of course, truck accidents are more likely to happen during periods of bad weather—whether it is rain, snow, sleet, ice, mist, fog or something entirely different, the fact is these conditions make the roads less safe. Tractor trailer trucks are generally more susceptible to accidents during these weather conditions because they are harder to control.
Truck Drivers Must Exercise Extreme Caution During Bad Weather
Under normal driving conditions, a truck driver is obligated to operate his truck with reasonable care to protect the safety of everyone using the road. However, during periods of bad weather, truck drivers are held to a greater standard of care in order to protect the motoring public and pedestrians during hazardous driving conditions.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 392.14, “extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, and smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction.” Thus, if a truck crash occurs during a period of snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, etc., the truck driver can’t simply state that he was exercising normal and ordinary care. Rather, the question is whether the truck driver was exercising “extreme caution” while operating his truck during those hazardous conditions.
What is Extreme Caution?
But what is “extreme caution”? That will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the truck accident and the weather conditions present. Extreme caution during a period where it is merely sprinkling will invariably be much different than during a period of thunderstorms or when there is heavy snowfall. That is why if you’ve been injured in a truck crash where rain, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, or other adverse weather conditions were present, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable and experienced truck accident lawyer to handle your case. The difference of hiring a lawyer that routinely handles truck accident cases versus hiring a lawyer that does not routinely handle truck accident cases or not hiring a lawyer at all can cost an injured person significant amounts of compensation.
GKT is YOUR Local Truck Accident Attorney
GKT has represented countless people injured in tractor trailer and truck accidents for decades from all over the Ohio Valley. Our experienced truck accident attorneys fight to obtain the compensation our clients are due when they suffer injuries as a result of a truck accident. If you’ve been injured in a tractor trailer or truck accident, call GKT today at (304) 845-9750 to speak with an attorney or live chat with a representative 24/7 at GKT.com. We would be happy to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your convenience.
