Weather conditions frequently contribute to motor vehicle accidents, including crashes involving large commercial trucks. High winds pose a big risk for semi-tractor trailers. Truck accident victims can easily be convinced that these accidents in bad weather are just that, unavoidable accidents or acts of nature. But, in most cases, nothing could be farther from the truth. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to understand the weather conditions that pose a risk, and to respond appropriately. That can include pulling over and waiting for the weather to pass. If you have been injured in a trucking accident involving high winds, the motor vehicle accident attorneys of McPhillips Fitzgerald & Cullum, LLP, are here to help you hold the trucking company accountable and collect the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding High Winds and Large Trucks
High winds can cause a large truck to crash. The trailer can catch the wind and be blown over or blown out of control. The risk is higher when there is little weight in the trailer. This is true, and it is a known risk. It is something that truck drivers and trucking companies are expected to understand, anticipate, and to deal with. It is just one of the many things that comes with the industry, and trucking regulations require that they have safety protocols in place.
There are many reasons why high winds are no excuse for the trucking companies to get out of liability. They can be held liable if they put an inexperienced or undertrained driver on the road I those conditions. They can be held liable for pushing their drivers to push on through dangerous weather conditions in order to get cargo delivered on time.
Route planning is another issue. Trucking companies and others who plan the route for the truck have a responsibility to be mindful of weather conditions and plan the safest route, which may not be the faster route. And, if the conditions are just too dangerous, truck drivers are to pull over and wait for the hazardous conditions to pass. Truck drivers are trained to handle dangerous weather and to know when the conditions are just too dangerous.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Florida truck accident involving high winds, talk to McPhillips Fitzgerald & Cullum, LLP, right away to protect your right to full compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.