Bad Weather Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

Known for its warm climate and sunny days, southern California can be an idyllic place to live. However, the area is not immune to inclement weather like rainfall and winds. Anyone driving in poor weather knows to exercise a higher level of caution to avoid getting into an accident. This is more important for truck drivers because their vehicles are bigger and heavier than an average car and are more susceptible to bad road conditions.

When bad weather truck accidents in Westlake Village happen, the results can be devastating for everyone involved. If you have been hurt in a truck crash during inclement weather conditions, contact Block LLP to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

The Impact of Poor Weather Conditions

Motor vehicles move because of the friction between their wheels and the ground. Weather can dramatically affect road conditions and how vehicles behave while driving. Sunny and warm temperatures are ideal because the wheels can maintain their grip on the road. However, poor weather conditions alter the friction between the road and the wheels, which could cause the vehicle to lose its grip.

Rain

Rainfall could affect driving conditions. During or after a rainstorm, water puddles on the roads become potential hazards. If a car or truck drives over a puddle of water too fast, the water could act as a barrier where the wheels drive on the water and lose contact with the road. This is called hydroplaning or aquaplaning and can result in the driver’s inability to control their vehicle.

Ice

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit so rainy conditions could also turn into icy conditions. Although it is rare and only occurs in the winter months, if the temperature falls below 32 degrees, any water on the road could freeze. Icy roads present a greater danger to vehicles because there is almost zero friction between the wheels and the road, which could cause the vehicle to slide out of control.

Wind

Windy conditions and gusts of wind may also be dangerous for drivers. While cars and trucks are heavy, they may still be susceptible to a strong gust of wind or high wind speeds that push the vehicle in ways that a driver must fight off to maintain control. This is especially true for semi-trucks because their cargo trailers could act as giant sails and catch the wind.

It is not always immediately obvious who is at fault for 18-wheeler collisions caused by bad weather in Westlake Village because adverse conditions may play a bigger part in causing the crash. However, commercial truck drivers must operate their vehicles with a higher level of skill and care during inclement weather. A skilled attorney could help determine if a big rig driver exercised proper caution in poor weather.

Truck Drivers Must Take Extra Caution

Large trucks are substantially bigger and heavier than passenger cars. The size difference means that an 18-wheeler is more vulnerable to slipping and sliding in poor road conditions, and the truck driver is more likely to lose control. This is why truck drivers must exercise extra care when driving in adverse weather conditions.

A truck driving in the rain may have to travel below the speed limit to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. A driver may have to come to a complete stop if it is too windy to risk toppling over. Despite the bad weather, if a big rig operator fails to exercise extra caution, they may be held responsible if they are in a crash with another vehicle in Westlake Village. A knowledgeable semi-truck accident lawyer could review the facts to determine if the driver was at fault for causing a wreck.

Call a Westlake Village Lawyer After Being Injured in a Truck Crash Caused by Bad Weather Conditions

Bad weather truck accidents in Westlake Village could be avoided through extra care and caution. Truck drivers who fail to do so may be liable for damages in a crash and a seasoned truck accident attorney could help determine who was at fault.

If you have been injured in a big rig collision, call Block LLP to discuss your case and legal options. Our attorneys could help you pursue a claim for comprehensive compensation.