Truck driving may be one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. While the weather should be a major concern, it should be the drivers you are worried about.
This story will explain. Multiple accidents recently closed roadways in northern Cambria County due to winter weather. One of the accidents caused by the weather involved a tanker truck that rolled over. The accident caused Route 219 to be closed for some time. There were also other tractor-trailer accidents that occurred during the same timeline.
While the ice may be to blame, truck driver negligence, specifically speeding, might be the real cause behind the accidents in Cambria County.
Speeding Is To Blame
Anyone who has driven in winter weather in Pennsylvania knows that accidents can easily occur because of snow and ice covering the roadways. While many think the weather is responsible for these accidents, it is not always the case. Driver negligence can often contribute to these accidents, specifically truck accidents.
Truck driver negligence can be considered anything that the truck driver does that causes or contributes to an accident, injury, or untimely death. Speeding falls under that category.
Going too fast when there is snow and ice on the road can lead to a deadly outcome in Pennsylvania. A truck driver barreling down a snow-covered highway at 70 mph with a heavy load has a difficult time stopping suddenly if a car pulls out in front of him/her. It’s the driver’s duty to be mindful of the outside conditions. According to the NHTSA, speed-related fatalities had increased by 4 percent in 2016 over 2015 numbers.
Drivers who are found to have driven negligently in winter weather conditions are frequently found liable for accidents that result in injuries and deaths.
What Are Your Legal Options?
Winter weather truck accidents caused by speeding are negligent actions but proving that those actions are negligent can be tricky. That’s why the Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli take the time to investigate every aspect of the accident.
When truck accidents occur, the companies who own that truck will do anything it can to make sure the blame falls on anyone else’s shoulders except their own. Our goal is to not let that happen, but there are some important things you will need to know.
Pennsylvania is a “choice-no fault” state. That means you have the option to choose whether to opt in or out of “no-fault” rules; either full tort or limited tort. If you chose limited tort for your car insurance, then you are unable to sue for pain and suffering. It may be the cheaper option, but after a serious accident, it could hurt you. There is one exception – you can recover compensation for pain and suffering if your truck accident injury is considered serious.
Successful Representation for Truck Accident Victims
Fellerman & Ciarimboli’s aggressive work in the courtroom has racked up over $25 million in truck accident case verdicts and compensations over the years. No matter if it’s snow, ice, rain, sleet or fog, our truck accident attorneys are here to help you.
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by winter weather in Philadelphia, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, it’s time to pick up the phone and contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli now for a free consultation. We fight for the injured and we will fight for you.
