SmartTrucking warns of the dangers of winter accidents for trucks which can occur when drivers do not adjust their driving behavior to account for weather conditions. Unfortunately, truck crashes are more likely to occur when there is adverse weather and these accidents often happen on highways or other areas where cars are packed tightly together. 
This can result in chain-reaction accidents which many people become involved in, and this can also mean winter truck crashes cause serious or even fatal injuries. One famous example of a chain reaction crash in Maine was a 75-vehicle pile-up that Bangor Daily News reported on, but these types of multi-vehicle accidents are very common when trucks spin out of control due to snow or ice.
Drivers who are victims of winter truck crashes need to know their rights and should hold trucking companies and truck drivers liable for losses if a collision occurs. While chain-reaction accidents can sometimes create complicated legal situations when it comes to determining who is to blame, an attorney can assist you in identifying those responsible for a truck crash and in making your case for compensation.
There are many reasons why crashes involving snow and ice are a big concern during the winter months. The winter is a dangerous time for truckers because:
- There is an increased chance of skidding on ice, especially if you try to hit the brakes. SmartTrucking recommends reducing the chances your truck will slide into the car in front of yours when the roads are icy by leaving a safe following distance. When the weather is bad, approx. 1/4 mile is an appropriate amount of space to put in between your car and the lead vehicle whenever possible.
- Some long-haul truckers may not be as familiar with driving in snow. Truckers who live and work regularly in Maine are more familiar with how to operate trucks in a safe way during the winter time. Those who live out-of-state, however, may not be as familiar with how to cope with the conditions on Maine's roads during bad weather. These out-of-state truckers could cause accidents and pursuing a claim could become more complicated if the trucking company is based in a different state.
- Truckers may feel pressure to keep driving quickly even in bad weather. Truck drivers are subject to rules regarding daily and weekly hours they can drive. If a trucker slows down because the weather is bad, he may not get as far as he should and may be late in making a delivery. Truck drivers must be sure they drive at a speed that is reasonable given the weather, regardless of what their schedule says to do.
If you are involved in a truck accident, you should talk with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to get advice on making a claim and getting compensation for your truck accident losses.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, our attorneys know the Maine law and have the experience and expertise to handle even the most complex truck accident claims. Contact us today for a free and confidential evaluation, and get our powerful team of attorneys and case managers working for you today.
