Englewood Truck Accidents Involving Bad Weather
Driving during inclement weather could pose many risks for drivers. For example, if there is heavy snow or ice, drivers may slide and swerve into oncoming traffic, other drivers, or off the road entirely. Truck drivers are held to a much greater standard, as they are supposed to make sure their vehicles are ready for whatever the journey brings them. However, some truck drivers may fail to uphold this responsibility, even when conditions are harsh and dangerous.
If you were the victim of a truck accident during a severe storm, be sure to get in touch with an attorney experienced in Englewood truck accidents involving bad weather.
Recoverable Damages from a Bad Weather Truck Accident
Victims who have suffered injuries from truck accidents involving bad weather in Englewood are entitled to receive various types of damages pending on whether they are able to prove fault. The types of damages victims may be able to recover include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. In addition, victims may be entitled to receive noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of ability to live a normal life.
If the at-fault party’s level of negligence is considered grossly egregious, the court could award punitive damages to the victim, payable by the at-fault party. Unlike economic and noneconomic damages, the victim does not have a say in the amount of punitive damages they would like to receive. This amount is determined solely by the court.
How to Prove a Bad Weather Truck Accident
Frequently, vehicles are increasingly becoming equipped with video recording devices. Through the process of discovery, an attorney can obtain video tape of the weather conditions, as well as the historical reports of the existing conditions.
Further, parties to the accident frequently have their own smartphones, for which they can record the weather conditions and conditions of the road at the time of the accident.
Additionally, traffic control devices are frequently equipped with recording devices as well. A truck accident attorney will also attempt to obtain any traffic control device recording information that may reveal weather conditions at the time of the accident. Lastly, any law enforcement officers who arrive at the scene of a serious accident may take measurements of skid marks and other evidence which can be obtained through the help of a lawyer as well.
What Can Drivers Do to Protect Themselves from Bad Weather Accidents?
Before embarking on a long drive, drivers are recommended to do research on any chance of inclement weather and should make sure their vehicle is prepared to handle bad weather conditions. Colorado is notorious for harboring severe winter storms, so drivers should also be open to postponing their trip for a day or two in order for conditions to calm. If a driver for whatever reason must drive through tumultuous weather, they are urged to drive slowly, even several MPH below the legal speed limit. In addition, drivers should also make sure to allow a greater margin of safety between them other vehicles sharing the road.
How Could an Attorney Help?
An experienced personal injury attorney’s job is to obtain as much information about the accident as possible, which includes not only the road conditions through various recording equipment that may have been present during the time of the accident or immediately thereafter. But also, information from the vehicles themselves will yield volumes about how the accident took place. All of this information taken together will give an experienced personal injury attorney a much more accurate idea of how the accident took place and what the victim’s chances for a successful outcome of the case may be.
For more insight about how the help of an attorney could help you obtain compensation for Englewood truck accidents involving bad weather, schedule a consultation today.
