Snowplow Car Accident Attorneys in Rochester, NY 

Heavy snowfall and icy roads? They’re just part of life here in Rochester. Snowplows play a huge role in keeping roads clear, but let’s face it—they’re not without their risks. When accidents happen, they can turn your world upside down, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester snowplow car accident lawyers understand how complex a case can be. Don't face the aftermath of a snowplow accident alone. Let us help protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.

5 Sources of Rochester Snowplow Car Accidents 

Snowplow accidents can feel random, but they’re often caused by a mix of tough weather, human mistakes, and faulty equipment. Here’s a closer look at what’s behind them: 

Driver fatigue or inexperience. Snowplow operators work long, grueling hours during storms. Exhaustion sets in, judgment gets cloudy, and mistakes happen. Newer operators may struggle even more, trying to control heavy machinery in blizzard conditions. 

Reduced visibility. Blinding snow and poor lighting during early mornings or late nights make it almost impossible to see clearly. Add frosted windshields or snow-caked headlights, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Snowy pavement causes nearly 200,000 car crashes a year. 

Mechanical issues. Snowplows are hardworking machines, but when they break down—say, a blade refuses to lift, or brakes give out—things can go south fast. The City of Rochester maintains over 150 snowplows during its winter season. Equipment that isn’t well-maintained can cause accidents that shouldn’t have happened. 

Speeding or reckless driving. Clearing snow quickly is important, but some operators push it too far. Going too fast on slick, narrow roads? That’s how control gets lost, and accidents pile up. Speeding car accidents are at the top of any list for crashes. 

Improper maintenance. When snowplows aren’t inspected or repaired regularly, they become a hazard. Poor upkeep can mean trouble for everyone sharing the road. 

Anything But Minor: Injuries Seen in Rochester Snowplow Accidents 

Let’s talk about the real cost of snowplow accidents: the toll they take on your body and your life. These injuries aren’t just painful; they can be life changing. 

• Head trauma and concussions: A collision with a snowplow can leave you with a serious brain injury. Think memory loss, constant headaches, or struggles focusing. Recovery? It could take weeks, months, or longer. 
• Broken bones or fractures: Arms, legs, ribs—they’re all vulnerable in a crash. Surgery and physical therapy might be on the horizon, and mobility could be limited for quite a while. 
• Spinal injury and paralysis: Back and neck injuries can mean anything from chronic pain to permanent paralysis, or a disc herniation requiring surgery. These are injuries that change how you live, every single day. 
• Internal bleeding and organ damage: The force of a crash can damage your organs or cause internal bleeding, injuries that aren’t always obvious right away but can be life-threatening if untreated. 
• Fatalities: The worst-case scenario is losing someone you love. No words can truly capture the heartbreak families face after a tragedy like this. 

Pointing the Finger: Who is to Blame in a Snowplow Accident? 

When it comes to figuring out who’s responsible for a snowplow accident, it’s rarely simple. Liability often involves more than one party, including snowplow operators and employers and third-party drivers. 

If an operator acts carelessly—whether by ignoring traffic laws, texting while driving, or mishandling equipment—both they and their employer (a municipality or private company) can be held accountable. 

Snowplow owners also have a duty to keep their machines in tip-top shape. When they don’t, accidents caused by mechanical failures fall on them. 

But sometimes, it’s not the snowplow’s fault. Another driver’s reckless behavior—like cutting off a snowplow—can trigger accidents that affect everyone involved. 

Next Steps After You’ve Been in a Rochester Snowplow Car Crash 

What you do after an accident matters. It’s about protecting yourself and building a strong case. Don’t brush off minor pain. Sometimes injuries show up later, and getting checked out ensures your health is safe and your injuries are documented. 

Grab your phone and take photos. Take a moment to read on how to take good crash scene photographs. The damage, the road conditions, the snowplow’s markings—all of it can help tell your story later. 

Get names and numbers of witnesses, plus the operator’s details. Eyewitnesses can make a huge difference in proving what happened, and they’ll help avoid insurance company tricks later on. 

File a police report. It’s an official record of the accident and a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a claim. Make sure to get a copy of the police report as soon as its ready. Also make sure you timely fill out and submit an MV-104 form. 

Don’t try to go to it alone. An experienced Rochester, NY lawyer can guide you through the process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights. 

Rochester is Western New York Snow Country. Stay Safe. 

Living in Rochester means dealing with some serious winter weather. Snowplow accidents are such a big issue here because of climate impact and common accident locations. 

With some years having over 100 inches of snow, Rochester’s roads are battle zones during winter. Add in icy conditions and relentless lake-effect snowstorms, and accidents feel almost inevitable. 

Roads like East Avenue and highways like I-490 see a lot of snowplow activity, and their high traffic makes them hotspots for collisions. Residential streets can be just as risky, with tight spaces and parked cars in the mix. 

Recover All of These Damages After a Snowplow Car Accident 

If you’ve been in a snowplow accident, you’re probably wondering what you’re entitled to. The answer? A lot, depending on your situation. Here’s what you could recover: 

• Medical expenses: From chiropractic visits to rehab, those bills add up fast. Compensation can help cover your current and future medical needs. Your No-Fault benefits will be your primary source of payment for medical bills.  
• Lost wages: Missed work because of your injuries? You deserve to be paid for the time you couldn’t clock in. Your personal injury lawyer can make sure you get your lost wages paid from No-Fault. 
• Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from returning to your job, we’ll fight to make sure your diminished earning potential is accounted for. 
• Pain and suffering: This goes beyond the physical pain—it’s about the emotional toll, too. Anxiety, depression, and trauma are all valid parts of your claim. 
• Wrongful death damages: If you’ve lost a loved one, compensation can cover funeral costs, loss of income, and the emotional pain of losing someone so important to you. 

Call Horn Wright, LLP, Today for Your Snowplow Accident 

Here at Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury lawyers know how overwhelming a snowplow accident can be. Let us handle the tough stuff so you can focus on your recovery and getting back on your feet.  

Our experienced team of attorneys at Rochester’s top law firm will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. 

Call today for a FREE consultation.