Bad Weather and Road Condition-Related Truck Accidents

In New York’s climate, the weather and road conditions can change quickly. A sunny morning commute in Westchester can be suddenly impacted by fog, rain, heavy traffic, ice, or snow. Truck drivers should pay attention to traffic reports and weather updates, and if they fail to do so or fail to adapt their driving for the conditions, they can be held liable if they cause an accident that harms you.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we have represented countless clients injured in serious truck accidents. With almost 40 years of experience handling cases across Westchester, the Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, New York, Queens, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties, attorney Mark A. Siesel understands how to investigate these complex crashes and pursue justice for victims. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a truck collision, reach out to our English- and Spanish-speaking team for a free consultation.

How Bad Weather and Poor Road Conditions Increase the Risk of Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Bad weather and poor road conditions can make it harder for truck drivers to control their vehicles in a few ways:

• Rain and wet pavement reduce traction, increasing the chance of hydroplaning.
• Snow and ice create slippery surfaces that make stopping difficult.
• Fog limits visibility and reaction time for drivers.
• High winds make it difficult for truck drivers to control large trailers, particularly on open roadways.

• Potholes and uneven pavement can cause trucks to lose control.
• Poorly marked lanes increase the risk of sideswipe or lane-departure accidents.
• Construction zones create sudden merges and narrowed lanes.
• Debris on the roadway can lead to swerving or rollovers.

When cities, towns, or private contractors fail to maintain safe roadways, they may share responsibility for an accident. And while no one is responsible for the weather, truck drivers must slow down or even get off the road if it is unsafe to drive.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident Caused by Weather or Poor Road Conditions

Trucking companies and insurers will often claim that “no one controls the weather” or may try to claim that the accident was “no one’s fault” because weather or road conditions played a role. In reality, there may be multiple liable parties:

• The truck driver, if they failed to adjust to conditions.
• The trucking company, for failing to train drivers properly or pressuring them to meet unrealistic schedules despite bad weather.
• Maintenance providers, if brake or tire failures combined with weather conditions to cause the crash.
• Government agencies or contractors, if unsafe road conditions were left unaddressed.

When you’re in an accident with a commercial truck, there may be multiple levels of responsibility. On the surface, a slippery road may be to blame. However, an investigation may show that the driver was driving too fast or that the trucking company failed to maintain their fleet’s tires. If such instances of negligence contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we carefully examine all potential sources of liability to maximize your chances of recovery.

How Much Could Your Claim Be Worth?

Victims of weather- and road condition-related truck accidents may be entitled to compensation. In New York, damages can include:

1. Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
2. Past and future medical expenses covering emergency care, rehabilitation, medications, and surgeries.
3. Past and future earnings and loss of earning capacity if your injuries interfere with your ability to work.
4. Other expenses, including car rental costs and incidental expenses.

How much your claim may be worth will depend on several factors, including liable parties, the causes of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and your losses. Everyone who has been injured wants to know how much their claim is worth, but the most important consideration is how to get fair compensation that helps you rebuild by covering as much of your losses as possible. To find out, schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel to review what we may be able to do to seek full compensation in your case.

Steps To Take After a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a crash during bad weather or due to poor road conditions, here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 immediately if someone is seriously injured.
2. Take steps to prevent further injury. In bad weather, especially, other cars may have a hard time seeing your vehicle, creating a risk of a pile-up. If it’s safe to do so, move your car out of the way and take steps to protect everyone at the scene from bad weather.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if injuries are not obvious, get evaluated by a physician. You may be seriously injured and not know it.
4. Start preserving evidence. Take photos of weather conditions, vehicle damage, and roadway hazards if possible. Get insurance information from any other drivers involved and note details about the truck, including the license plate and truck company name. Keep careful notes about everything you remember and avoid repairing your car before it can be inspected.
5. Contact an attorney quickly. Your attorney can step in to work with insurers, and to protect your rights.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we provide a free consultation to discuss your potential case. If you’re ever unsure about where to turn, turn to us.

FAQs

If a truck driver blames bad weather for the crash, do I still have a case?

Yes. Truck drivers and trucking companies cannot use bad weather as an automatic excuse. Federal and state regulations require commercial drivers to adjust their speed, increase following distance, or even pull over if conditions become too dangerous. If a driver claims that fog, ice, or rain caused the accident but they failed to take these precautions, they may still be liable. An experienced attorney can investigate whether negligence other factors contributed to the crash.

What if road conditions, like potholes or poor signage, contributed to my truck accident?

In some cases, local municipalities or contractors responsible for road maintenance may share fault if dangerous conditions like potholes, faded lane markings, or broken traffic signals played a role. These cases can be more complex because they involve government entities and strict notice requirements, which is why it’s important to have a lawyer review your matter quickly.

Can a trucking company be responsible if they pressured a driver to keep going during bad weather?

Yes. Trucking companies will sometimes push drivers to meet tight delivery schedules, even when storms or icy roads make driving unsafe. If evidence shows a company encouraged a driver to continue despite hazardous conditions, they may be held accountable for putting profits ahead of safety. This can make a significant difference in your case, since the company may have more insurance coverage than the driver alone.

Contact Us

Truck accidents caused by bad weather and unsafe road conditions can leave victims with life-changing injuries, significant medical bills, lost income, and unexpected expenses. If you or a loved one has been hurt in one of these crashes, consulting with a truck accident attorney helps you uncover whether you have any options for seeking compensation.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we are pleased to offer free consultations if you have been injured. We combine almost 40 years of experience with a client-focused approach that prioritizes communication and compassion. We reply to your emails and phone calls quickly, and we genuinely care about what is best for you. That is one reason why our clients tend to stay in touch and even become friends after working with us.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney who understands the legal and personal challenges of serious truck accidents.