Winter weather conditions can make Georgia roads extremely dangerous, especially when tractor-trailers are involved. Due to their size and weight, tractor-trailers are difficult to stop and control even under prime conditions. When snow, ice, and rain are present, the potential for serious accidents increases considerably.
If you are injured in a crash with a semi truck or tractor-trailer, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries as well as other expenses. An experienced truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC can help you recover damages.
Common Types of Winter Trucking Accidents
Since snow is not a common occurrence in Atlanta, even a small amount of accumulation can cause havoc on the roads. Many drivers are unprepared and inexperienced when it comes to driving in snowy conditions. These risk factors apply to truck drivers, as well. Unfortunately, the ramifications of inexperience and a lack of preparedness are often devastating when a semi is involved. Common types of winter truck accidents include:
- Jackknifing: Skidding on slippery surfaces can cause the cab and trailer of a truck to fold towards one another, causing the trailer to push forward while the cab goes backwards.
- Rear-ending: An inexperienced truck driver may fail to use slower speeds and increase following distance under winter conditions, thereby making it impossible to come to a stop without hitting the rear of the vehicle in front of the semi.
- Rollovers: Icy conditions increase the risk of a large truck rolling over when trying to make a turn.
Who is Liable in a Winter Weather Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases can be complex. In addition to normal fault determination considerations, such as whether a driver was intoxicated or violated traffic laws, weather can be considered as a factor.
A truck driver may try to blame the weather for the accident, but our attorneys will investigate the driver, the accident details, and the trucking company in order to determine who should be held responsible. Several parties may be held liable in a semi truck crash, including the:
- Driver – for negligence or recklessness, such as failing to adjust his or her driving to account for winter weather conditions.
- Trucking company – for negligence in training or hiring practices.
- Truck maintenance company – for negligence in preparing the vehicle for winter conditions or other improper maintenance.
- Truck manufacturer – for faulty equipment.
Call Us to Schedule your Free Truck Accident Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, please call us at 770-888-8901 for your free, no-obligation legal consultation. Our lawyers and staff are bilingual in Spanish and English and will be happy to assist you in either language. We serve clients in Atlanta, Marietta, Cumming, and other nearby areas of Georgia.
