Commercial Vehicle Accidents In Bad Weather: Is Anyone Responsible?

In general, Florida does not have the same bad weather events as many other parts of the United States in winter. However, this does not mean that Floridians should ignore the warning signs that can precede inclement weather. Even without snow and ice, bad weather is a common cause of Florida road accidents, particularly involving larger commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) like semi-trucks or private coaches.

Many Misconceptions About Driving In Bad Weather

One major myth that many drivers believe is that if bad weather plays a role in an accident, that accident is nobody’s fault – after all, some weather is unpredictable and unforeseeable. In reality, this is not always the case, at least not in Florida. State and federal law holds that one must always exercise an appropriate level of due care while driving – but that ‘level’ is not static. For example, a driver should be taking all appropriate precautions while driving on a nice day – but on a rainy day, the list of ‘appropriate’ precautions will be longer.

Another misapprehension many Florida drivers have is that CMVs will be more rare in bad weather – but in truth, CMV drivers are not always free to simply stop and wait out a storm. Most have deadlines they are required to meet, and may not have the time to wait if they want to remain in the good graces of their employer. A person in a passenger vehicle should always exercise caution when driving near a big rig – but this goes double during bad weather, as visibility will be more limited.

CMVs May Be Prone To Crashing

There are several different types of bad weather that can lead to road accidents, even if one does not take ice or snow into account. Federal authorities recognize wind speed, temperature, fog, and road conditions, among others, as playing a potential role in road crashes. It is not known how many recorded accidents of this type involved large trucks or other commercial motor vehicles, but it is reasonable to assume some because of the way most CMVs are built – their lower centers of gravity and blind spots can lead to problems.

If you have been injured in this type of accident, it is important to enlist the right attorney. Because trucking and transport companies tend to have deep pockets and good insurance coverage, many will try to fight admitting liability for accidents even if the evidence is against them. You need dedicated and compassionate representation to guide you through what can be a drawn-out legal process.

Contact A Tampa Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle can lead to life-changing injuries and drawn-out court cases. A Tampa commercial motor vehicle accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help protect your rights. Contact our office today at (813) 831-9999 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-392/subpart-B/section-392.14