When weather conditions are unfavorable, truck drivers must exercise extra caution and care. The primary concern is to reduce the risks of road accidents. Poor weather conditions lead to higher safety standards for commercial trucks. Heavy rain and snowfall, to dust storms, make the weather conditions worse, triggering the chances of major collisions between trucks and other vehicles.
Truck accidents are catastrophic. The crashes may turn the victims’ lives upside down. The intensity of both physical, emotional, and financial damages goes beyond words. The gigantic size and weight of the commercial vehicles make the consequences life-threatening. This is why truck drivers must exercise a duty of care to ensure the safety of their vehicles, their own lives, and the safety of others.
Yet, despite all precautions and safety measures, accidents may occur at any time. Unfortunately, if you have been involved in a truck accident during hazardous weather conditions, connect with our truck accident attorney Orlando at Injury Assistance Law Firm for robust legal support. Our experienced lawyers take strict legal action against the liable parties, enabling the victims to win the maximum compensation.
Federal Law Mandates for Truck Drivers during Bad WeatherÂ
Under the FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations), commercial truck drivers need to follow certain duties. When the road is slippery or the weather is perilous, those who operate the vehicles must be cautious.
- The Truck Drivers Must Slow Down the Vehicle Speed in Poor Weather Conditions
According to 49 CFR § 392.14, truck drivers must exercise extreme caution when weather conditions are not favorable. The hazards include:
- Heavy rain and flooding
- Heavy fog
- Snow fall
- Dust storms
Drivers who don’t follow these rules while driving endanger themselves with the risks of heavy crashes. Truck accident attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm can prove the driver’s negligence when the speed management is inefficient, and others suffer injuries and damages in the process.
- What Lights and Signals Should the Truck Driver Use?
According to 49 CFR § 392.30, the regulations determine which lights and signals to use when the weather conditions is not in favor.
- Drivers must turn on the headlights when road visibility is low.
- Drivers need to use hazard lights when driving at low speeds or stop the vehicle on the road.
- All lights and warning devices must be on.
Truck accident attorneys, when handling the legal complexities associated with truck accident cases, have discovered the critical role of poor lighting in such accidents.
According to Florida Statutes § 316.217(1)(b):
- When visibility drops below 1000 feet, drivers must keep the headlights and windshield wipers on.
When a truck driver fails to comply with these requirements and an accident occurs, the chances of liability exposure increase.
- When the Drivers Need to Pull Over and Stop
Under Florida law, drivers should not operate any vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Driving in poor weather becomes dangerous. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), commercial truck drivers need to maintain certain duties before they drive their vehicles on slippery and blocked roads. As per the FMCSR, the driver must do the following:
- After the road condition returns to normal, the truck driver must avoid the road before operating the vehicle again.
- Whenever visibility becomes an issue, the truck driver must stop the vehicle. Driving with limited visibility can be hazardous for both the truck and other vehicles.
- In case stopping the vehicles poses massive risks, driving the vehicle slowly remains the only option.
In the event of an accident under such circumstances, an experienced truck accident lawyer Orlando helps find whether a driver is at fault in a truck accident case.
What Comes Under the Truck Driver’s Duty of Care?Â
Truck drivers must adhere to specific safety protocols to ensure the safety of roads and passengers. Those include,
- Truck drivers need to keep a constant eye on the weather
- The driver must lower the speed below the standard speed limit when there is low visibility
- Drivers must turn on the hazard lights when driving at a slow pace or when the driver stops the vehicle
- When the weather is snowy and rainy, truck drivers must use low-beam headlights to soften glare from other vehicles.
- Truck drivers need to clean the glass surfaces, lights, and reflective elements for maximum visibility.
When the truck drivers fail to maintain these practices, the victim’s party finds it easier to file a claim against them with legal evidence of negligence. One of our best truck accident attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm represents the victims in court with solid legal backup and brings them fair compensation backed by proof and evidence.
What Our Truck Accident Attorneys Do in Weather-Related Truck Accident Crashes
When truck accidents occur on the Florida roadways due to weather hazards, the cases need solid legal support. How strong a legal claim is depends on the truck driver’s adherence to road safety rules and regulations, even when the weather conditions are not in favor. The legal team at Injury Assistance Law Firm starts the process through a thorough investigation. The truck accident attorneys help with your personal injury lawsuit and fight against the truck driver or trucking company in court.
Let’s see how the truck accident attorneys proceed with the truck accident cases when inclement weather conditions cause it.
- Identify the liable parties
- Determine the extent and intensity of your injuries
- Gather proof and evidence
- Interview eyewitnesses and collect testimonies
- Negotiate with the insurer
- Represent the victim in the court
Gathering evidence and proofs against the truck drivers and trucking companies based on their actions and behavior, the attorneys help establish the fault and secure fair compensation.
Contact Injury Assistance Law Firm Today
At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys Orlando help you with the best legal assistance. We offer you a free case evaluation based on the specific circumstances of your truck accident case. Book your free consultation today with Injury Assistance Law Firm. Win the maximum amount of compensation against the losses suffered in a truck accident caused by weather hazards. Our team of legal professionals is ready to take your case to trial, as we don’t settle for a penny less than what the victim’s party deserves.Â