(866) 590-9773 
Harrisonburg Improper Truck Driving in Weather Conditions
Improper driving in adverse weather conditions can increase the likelihood of a serious collision, especially when large trucks are involved. If a truck driver was going too fast for the conditions, following too closely, or failing to use their lights appropriately, the consequences can be catastrophic for other drivers and their passengers.
If any of the above examples describe the accident that caused your injuries, contact our Harrisonburg improper driving in weather conditions lawyers for a free consultation. At Kendall Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you need after a weather-related truck crash.
How Kendall Law Firm Can Help After a Weather-Related Truck Accident
Kendall Law Firm has over 30 years of experience representing Harrisonburg residents injured in truck accidents. Our firm is 100 percent focused on personal injury cases and never represents insurance companies or big corporations. We fight for the rights of people just like you in the community and are committed to making a difference.
As our former clients say:
“Mr. Kendall treated me with the utmost care and respect. He was very professional, and he did what was necessary to convince the insurance company to compensate me for my medical bills and my pain and suffering.” – Melissa W.
“My accident has changed my life, but I was very glad to have David Kendall and his staff working for me, assisting me where I needed help through all my paperwork and surgeries in this overwhelming and traumatic experience. They were very helpful, easy to talk to and kind.” – Laurie T.
Our Harrisonburg truck accident lawyers can handle your case from start to finish by:
- Investigating the cause of the weather-related truck accident
- Gathering evidence to determine liability for the accident
- Calculating the value of your losses
- Filing your insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Taking your case to court and seeking the maximum compensation if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
How Poor Weather Conditions Contribute to Truck Accidents
Poor weather conditions contribute to truck accidents in several ways. The first is that rain, snow, and ice can make the road surfaces slippery. Slippery road surfaces decrease the effectiveness of brakes, as a large truck’s weight can cause it to continue sliding into the back of a stopped or slowed vehicle ahead. They can also cause jackknife accidents, where a truck’s trailer swings out alongside the cab, colliding with other vehicles.
Another way adverse weather conditions contribute to truck accidents is by reducing visibility. Poor visibility conditions make it harder for drivers to see hazards on the road, leading to more collisions. Rain, fog, and snow are typical weather conditions that result in reduced visibility.
When faced with poor weather conditions, it’s crucial that drivers adjust their driving accordingly. Driving as if the weather is sunny and the roads are dry, despite that not being the case, is a recipe for disaster. Speed limits represent the maximum speed that drivers are supposed to travel during optimal conditions. They are expected to adjust their speed when weather and road conditions are suboptimal.
What Constitutes Improper Driving in Adverse Weather
Improper driving in adverse weather can take many forms. One of the most common is driving too fast for conditions. When faced with adverse weather conditions, drivers should reduce their speed so they are less likely to slide off the road and are better able to stop if they come across a hazard, such as a stopped or slowed vehicle ahead.
Even if a truck driver travels at or below the posted speed limit, they could still be driving too fast for the weather conditions.
Tailgating or following too closely behind another vehicle can also constitute improper driving in adverse weather. This is especially true when the road surface is slippery, such as if there is rain, snow, or ice. The closer a truck follows behind another vehicle, the less time its driver has to react. Additionally, due to their weight, commercial trucks can’t stop as quickly as smaller vehicles, leading to rear-end collisions if they are too close.
It’s also essential that truck drivers use their lights properly when driving in poor weather. Trucks should have their headlights on in rain or fog, even in the middle of the day. And if they are traveling particularly slowly due to the road or weather conditions, they should have their hazard lights on to warn other drivers.
Legal Liability in Weather-Related Truck Crashes
In most weather-related truck crash cases, legal liability falls on the truck driver whose negligent actions caused or contributed to the collision. Negligent actions are those that a reasonably competent person under similar conditions would have avoided, such as speeding in poor visibility conditions. Breaking state or federal trucking regulations can also constitute negligence.
To hold the driver liable, your lawyer will collect various types of evidence, including:
- Accident scene photographs that show the adverse conditions and the damaged vehicles
- Traffic or dashboard camera footage showing the accident occurring or the weather conditions at the time
- Eyewitness statements from other drivers and passengers
- Expert testimony, such as from accident reconstruction specialists or trucking industry professionals
- The truck’s black box data that indicates the speed at which the vehicle was traveling before the impact
In some cases, the trucking company that hired the driver could also be liable. The company may have failed to properly train the driver on navigating poor weather conditions or pressured the driver to continue working in hazardous conditions to make deliveries on schedule. Trucking companies are also held vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim After a Weather-Related Crash
An experienced Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer can file your truck accident claims against the liable parties. This involves collecting evidence, calculating the value of your injuries, and drafting and submitting demand letters and formal auto insurance claims.
While you may only be able to recover limited compensation from the truck driver’s liability coverage policy, trucking companies are required to carry significantly more liability insurance under federal law. For this reason, it’s crucial to work with an experienced lawyer who will work to hold the trucking company liable for your injuries.
Speak with a Harrisonburg Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If your injuries were caused by a truck accident due to weather conditions in Harrisonburg, VA, contact Kendall Law Firm for a free consultation with one of our weather-related truck accident lawyers. Our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers can review your case, explain your legal options for seeking the compensation you need, and walk you through the steps involved.