Weather-Related Truck Accidents

Truck accidents caused by bad weather conditions are common in the United States, especially in the wet, rainy, stormy, icy, snowy, and foggy seasons. However, rain and wet roads aren’t the only adverse conditions that cause truck accidents in the US–especially in dry areas like Phoenix. Many other weather conditions can lead to serious truck accidents.

Unfortunately, some weather-related truck accidents are hard to avoid. This is why you need a truck accident lawyer in Phoenix to help you file a case and sue the people responsible for damages.

Even once you find the best auto accident legal attorney, it’s important to know the kind of bad weather conditions that are likely to cause truck accidents so that you can avoid accidents in the first place!

Dangerous Weather Conditions

The size and weight of a truck can be difficult to control in bad weather, which is why truck accidents are a major issue for all road users. Here are some of the common weather conditions that can cause serious truck accidents:

Rain

Rain leaves the road wet and slippery, making it harder for tires to grip the road. This means that any vehicle–including a heavy truck–is likely to skid or drift when slowing down or taking sharp turns.

Fog

Fog is a major cause of truck accidents because it makes it hard to see stalled trucks, oncoming vehicles, and road signs. This increases the risk of sudden braking, maneuvering, and crashes.

Snowy and Icy Roads

Excess snow and ice on the road makes it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. Ice reduces tire traction, preventing you from braking. Excess snow on the road can cover road marks and signs, causing a truck driver to run a red light or drive over the speed limit.

Strong Winds

Driving against high winds can make any vehicle swerve, including trucks. These winds can cause trucks to sway or overturn on the road, creating even riskier road conditions. Strong winds can also cause a truck to run into oncoming traffic or other lanes, which can lead to accidents.

Sun Glare and Extreme Temperatures

Sun glare can make it difficult to see, putting you at risk of driving into a truck or other drivers. Extreme heat can blow out tires, causing the truck to overturn or move into other lanes.

Common Truck Accidents Related to Bad Weather

Here are the most common accidents caused by bad weather:

Rolling Over

Extreme weather conditions like high winds, excess snow, icy roads, and rain can cause a truck to skid or overturn, especially when braking or taking sharp turns. When a truck rolls over, it can land on other vehicles or block the road.

Rear-End Crashes

Wet and icy roads make braking difficult, which can increase a truck’s stopping distance. In this case, a truck can more easily crash into the rear end of your vehicle, especially if it’s following you too closely.

Side-Swiping

Driving in foggy, snowy, or rainy conditions can cause a truck to drift to other lanes and side-swipe other vehicles.

In a Nutshell

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises truck drivers to slow down, use the appropriate lights, or pull over when the weather conditions are too extreme to avoid serious accidents. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Phoenix and you need a lawyer to help you file a claim and do truck accident fault analysis, Gage Mathers is here for you!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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