Bad weather creates wet and hazardous road conditions, increasing the risk of life-threatening accidents due to hydroplaning or difficulty stopping. This risk is even greater for larger, heavier commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, which are more challenging to handle and control. Operators undergo extensive training before they begin driving, including learning the appropriate steps to take in rain, snow, ice, and other inclement weather conditions.
If you suffered harm because of negligence, you have every right to hold the trucker financially accountable. Contact a proficient truck accident attorney knowledgeable about bad weather truck accidents in Lake County for help with your claim.
Fault for Weather-Related Collisions
While rain and other weather conditions increase the risk of accidents, determining who is at fault is similar to other collisions. In Lake County, truck accidents in bad weather often involve liability falling on the driver, such as a commercial truck operator, who failed to adjust their speed to the driving conditions to take precautions and avoid accidents. Proving the defendant was driving too fast for the weather and road conditions or following too closely could establish fault and help obtain a settlement from the responsible party.
The Elements of Negligence
Building a claim to show that each of the elements of negligence are present is necessary to win an award for damages, and those include:
- The defendant owed the individual seeking relief a duty of care or legal responsibility to the plaintiff, such as driving safely and adhering to traffic and safety laws
- The commercial truck operator’s actions were reckless, causing a breach of the duty to act reasonably and cautiously
- Proof of a verifiable link between the trucker’s actions and the collisions, such as speeding and being unable to stop, referred to as causation
- The victim suffered verifiable damages, such as bodily injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering or distress
Unfortunately, truck collisions in Lake County are relatively common due to poor weather, and it is essential to locate the proper, hard-working, compassionate attorney to build a powerful case.
Road and Highway Safety During Hazardous Weather Conditions
All motorists must use caution and common sense to adjust their driving during poor weather and hazardous road conditions. The commercial trucking traffic laws in Florida adhere to the statutes and guidance provided by the federal government. Per the statute’s guidelines created and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulation § 6.3.10, tractor-trailer operators must exercise extreme caution as necessary and reduce speed or pull over and wait when the weather conditions affect traction and visibility.
When traveling conditions become extreme, increasing the risk of severe crashes, truckers must find a close and safe location to pull over and wait for the weather to improve. A lawyer skilled in handling claims resulting from Lake Country bad weather truck crashes could collect the vital evidence and conduct a thorough analysis to determine the road conditions, cause of the incident, responsible party, and compliance with the regulations.
Meet With an Experienced Attorney in Lake County About Bad Weather Truck Accidents
Anyone living in or spending time in Florida understands that the weather can change within an instant and impair visibility and driving abilities. When tractor-trailers travel in or through the state, they must use extreme caution when needed to prevent causing avoidable crashes and harm to those traveling near them on the roadways.
Personal injury laws may entitle you to a settlement of the appropriate amount to cover your damages and losses if a reckless truck operator caused an avoidable crash. Contact a qualified lawyer who is experienced in handling cases resulting from bad weather truck accidents in Lake County if you need help with a case. Call today and schedule an appointment to begin preparing your claim.
