When a truck accident is caused by bad weather in Vancouver, WA, you may not know who is liable. Unfortunately, weather-related collisions are not uncommon, especially in situations involving trucks, since these vehicles are often more vulnerable to the elements.
So, if you have been the victim of a bad weather-related truck accident in Vancouver, WA, you should reach out to a truck accident lawyer. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of Vancouver truck accident lawyers has experience with truck crashes involving weather conditions and can help you get the best possible outcome for your claim.
Keep reading to find out when bad weather may cause truck accidents in Vancouver, WA, and who can be held liable.
When Washington Weather Causes Truck Collisions
There are many things that can contribute to commercial truck crashes, including weather conditions. And unfortunately, this is one example of something that isn’t preventable and may be outside of the control of the truck driver.
Here are some examples of weather conditions that could directly contribute to truck collisions in Vancouver, WA.
Heavy Rain
Washington gets a fair amount of heavy rain, which can create a variety of risks for truck drivers. The main danger is reduced visibility, which can make it harder for the truck driver to notice smaller vehicles on the road.
In addition to limited visibility, heavy rain can also create slick roads, dramatically increasing how long it takes for commercial trucks to come to a complete stop.
Snow & Ice
Snow and ice are also very risky for commercial trucks and can directly contribute to collisions. Snow can limit visibility and increase the time it takes for trucks to come to a complete stop if the roads become slick.
Whereas ice on the roads reduces tire traction and can result in trucks sliding into other vehicles.
Fog
Although the fog may not seem like the most dangerous example of bad weather conditions, it can contribute to truck accidents. Heavy fog limits visibility, increasing blind spots and decreasing the reaction time of truck drivers.
High Winds
Trucks are especially vulnerable to high winds due to their height. The stronger the wind, the greater the risk that trucks can become unstable and harder for the truck driver to safely steer.
Understanding Liability in Weather-Related Truck Accidents
If you have been the victim of a bad weather-related truck accident in Vancouver, WA, you need to understand how liability works in these types of claims. Filing a weather condition accident claim in Washington can come with some challenges since weather-related accidents can have complex liability. However, even though weather conditions aren’t preventable, the vast majority of truck collisions are.
Here are some examples of who could be held liable for a weather-related truck accident:
- Truck driver: The most common example of who could be liable for a truck accident involving poor weather conditions is the driver themselves. The driver may not have maintained a duty of care, which requires them to exercise certain precautions when operating a commercial truck. They may have also driven recklessly in bad weather, which was the true cause of the accident.
- Trucking company: Although not directly responsible, the trucking company may be indirectly responsible for the truck accident for a variety of reasons. For example, they may not have properly trained the truck driver or screened them before hiring. Also, the trucking company may not have provided adequate maintenance for the truck, which contributed to the accident.
- Third parties: In less common cases, there may be third parties who are responsible for weather-related truck accidents. The cargo loaders may have overloaded the truck or not secured the cargo correctly. Or, manufacturers may have created defective truck parts, which contributed to the collision.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be multiple liable parties who contributed to the accident in some way.
Proving Liability in Vancouver Truck Accidents
It isn’t uncommon for the liable party in a bad weather truck accident to try to shift the blame to the poor weather conditions. Because of this, you need to be proactive when proving liability so that your claim is successful and you get the compensation you deserve.
Here are some examples of the types of evidence you should collect to support your claim:
- Blackbox data
- Truck maintenance records
- Truck driver logs and reports
- Hiring and training records
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam footage
- Medical records
- Collision scene photos
- The police report
For the best chance of having a successful outcome for your claim, you should also hire a Vancouver truck accident lawyer to represent you. An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove liability and will handle all negotiations on your behalf. This will protect you from being pushed around by the trucking company or insurance carriers and will ensure you don’t accidentally accept a low settlement offer.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Proving weather conditions in an accident claim in Washington can come with several challenges, especially when it comes to determining liability. That is why you should work closely with a Vancouver truck accident lawyer who has experience proving rain-related truck crash liability.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our Washington clients get the compensation they deserve after truck accidents. So, for expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Can a truck driver blame the weather for a crash?
A truck driver can use the defense that the weather caused the accident, but they will usually still hold a certain percentage of liability.
Who is liable in a rain-related truck accident?
Liability could fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third-party, depending on the circumstances around the collision.
How can I prove negligence in bad weather conditions?
You should file your claim with extensive evidence, including surveillance and dashcam footage, eyewitness statements, medical records, expert testimonies, photos of damages, etc.