Can you claim compensation for a truck accident caused by weather in Texas?
Yes, this is possible. Truck accidents are a common occurrence in Texas and can be just as bad as any other type of accident. You may be entitled to compensation if you are injured in a truck accident caused by weather in Texas.
As long as the truck driver was not at fault, there are exceptions to how much a victim receives. It is worth noting that this exception only applies when weather conditions are outside what drivers or passengers could reasonably handle without considering the driving conditions and not something beyond their control. For example, if it’s rainy outside and a driver suddenly starts to hydroplane — causing an accident — then they would be able to claim compensation due to the flooding they could not have avoided.
Moreover, if weather causes your truck to slide off the road and into another vehicle, you would be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damage resulting from the crash. You would not be able to claim compensation for damages such as lost wages as a result of your injury.
There are a Few Exceptions that You Should be Aware of If You’re in an Accident Caused by Bad Weather Conditions:
If the driver violated traffic laws, a judge might not rule them at fault for the weather-related accident.
If a vehicle was stopped due to an emergency, such as avoiding another, it could be considered at fault.
The truck driver cannot claim compensation if the weather conditions did not cause additional complications that led to the accident.
Another factor to consider is whether or not there was any negligence or if this was just a natural phenomenon.
Although bad weather can affect any driver, truck drivers must exercise particular caution considering the size of their trucks and the time required for maneuvers. Therefore, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, truck drivers must use extraordinary caution when operating their vehicles in severe weather that impairs their sight or traction.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, truck drivers must drive slower in hazardous weather such as extreme wind speeds (up to 99 MPH), tornados, Lightning, Ice, Snowstorms, and blizzards (if you were traveling during a severe winter storm). Ideally, a truck driving in favorable weather at normal speed needs roughly two football fields to stop; that distance might increase with hazardous weather. Therefore, driving slower gives truck drivers enough time to stop in hazardous weather conditions and avoid accidents.
However, all of this information is just a general guideline. You will want to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Texas such as Wyatt law firm and learn more about types of commercial truck accidents. You will also want to consult with an experienced auto insurance adjuster if you have been injured in a truck accident. An adjuster could help you determine exactly what type of compensation you are entitled to and how much it would cost you if you were to file a claim.
