Weather-Related Truck Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

Battling the Elements and Legal Challenges After a Crash

The city is no stranger to wild, unpredictable weather. Heavy snowfalls, icy roads, and fierce winds make driving here during winter a daunting task. When massive trucks—like semis and tractor-trailers—hit the roads in these conditions, things can get dangerous fast. 

If you’ve been involved in a weather-related truck collision, our skilled Buffalo truck accident lawyer are ready to offer compassionate legal support. We’ve been tirelessly fighting for crash victims for decades, so we've seen how overwhelming this can be. Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help you get back on your feet.

Buffalo's Brutal Weather: A Recipe for Trucking Danger

Let’s talk about Buffalo weather for a second. If you live here, you know lake-effect snow is no joke. In just a few hours, it can blanket the city, leaving roads slick and visibility almost zero.

Truckers face a unique set of challenges during this kind of weather:

• Reduced Visibility: Blinding snow and thick fog make it nearly impossible for truckers to spot smaller vehicles around them. It’s especially bad on busy highways like Interstate 90, where snow piles up fast.
• Slippery Roads: Ice doesn’t discriminate, and black ice is the sneakiest culprit. One wrong move, and a truck can skid, jackknife, or worse.
• Longer Stopping Distances: It takes a lot longer for a truck to stop, and when icy roads are involved, “long” becomes dangerously long.

What Causes Weather-Related Collisions to Spiral Out of Control?

Adverse weather might be a big part of the problem, but it’s not the whole story. A lot of weather-related crashes happen because of poor decisions or lack of preparation. Here’s what we see most often:

1. Driving Too Fast for Conditions: Under the law, truckers are supposed to slow down in bad weather, but some don’t. A semi going 65 mph on ice? That’s a crash waiting to happen.
2. Improperly Loaded Cargo: When cargo isn’t packed right, it can shift around and throw the truck off balance. This makes accidents more likely, especially on curves or steep hills.
3. Inadequate Maintenance: Bad brakes, bald tires, busted wipers—these issues are a problem on a good day. During winters, they’re downright deadly.
4. Fatigue: It isn’t a secret that truckers work long hours. Add in stressful winter weather, and exhaustion can quickly lead to mistakes.

Figuring out what caused your crash is a crucial step in holding the right people accountable. Legal help for icy road truck crashes can be the difference between a fair outcome and settling for less than you deserve.

Devastating Injuries from Weather-Related Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often serious. Here are some of the most common injuries we’ve seen in these types of crashes:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries from collisions can cause everything from memory loss to lifelong physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis, whether partial or total, is one of the most devastating outcomes of these crashes.
• Broken Bones: Collisions with massive trailers don’t just break bones; they shatter them. Recovery often involves surgery and months of rehab.
• Internal Injuries: The sheer force of a truck crash can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

These injuries aren’t just physical—they’re emotionally and financially draining. The recovery process can be long and expensive, which is why it’s so important to have someone fighting for your rights. A snowstorm truck collision lawyer can provide critical guidance during this difficult time.

Who's to Blame? Unraveling Liability in Weather-Related Truck Crashes

It might seem like the external conditions is the only thing to blame for these accidents, but that’s not always true. Often, there are other factors at play. Here’s who could be held responsible:

• Truck Drivers: If the driver was speeding, texting, or ignoring local climate warnings, they’re likely at fault. For example, blowing past a weather advisory on Interstate 190 could mean they’re responsible for the crash.
• Trucking Companies: Companies that skimp on maintenance or push drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, even going beyond hours of service regulations, share the blame. Trucks with bad tires or faulty brakes are ticking time bombs.
• Third Parties: Sometimes, it’s a manufacturer’s fault (think defective parts), or even the city’s—if the roads weren’t plowed or salted properly.

Figuring out liability isn’t easy, but it’s critical. That’s why careful investigation and evidence are so important—you need to know who to hold accountable.

Steps You Must Take After a Crash

After an accident, your head’s probably spinning. It’s hard to know what to do first. But taking the right steps can make a huge difference in your recovery and your case. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Get Medical Help: Even if you feel okay, go see a doctor. Injuries like internal bleeding or concussions might not show up right away.
2. Document Everything: Take photos of the crash site, your injuries, and the road conditions. Snap pics of skid marks, icy patches, or anything else that might help explain what happened.
3. Exchange Info: Get the truck driver’s name, insurance details, and employer info. Don’t forget to grab contact details from witnesses, too.
4. Call the Police: File a police report in accordance with the law that requires reporting accidents involving property damage or injuries.
5. Talk to an Attorney: Crash cases are complicated. A skilled truck accident attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

How an Attorney Levels the Playing Field in Collision Cases

You shouldn’t have to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies alone. They’re pros at minimizing payouts, even in the most severe cases. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know how to fight back. Here’s how we help:

• Digging Deep into the Evidence: We’ll uncover what really happened by analyzing maintenance records, weather data, and driver logs.
• Standing Up to Insurers: Insurance companies play hardball, but we’re not afraid to push back. We’ll negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
• Focusing on Your Future: From medical bills to lost income due to missed work, we’ll make sure every dollar you’re owed is accounted for.

With our team on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.

Contact Horn Wright, LLP, Today

You don’t have to tackle collision cases on your own. At Horn Wright, LLP, our truck accident lawyers have the experience and dedication to fight for justice on your behalf. Find out why we’re recognized as one of the best law firms in America. Call us today for your free consultation, and let’s take the next steps together.