Wet Road Conditions and Large Trucks

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Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers weigh in on wet road conditions contributing to truck accidents. During the summer months, a sudden thunderstorm can cool things off after a heat wave. However, the heavy rain that often comes with it can make the roads slick, which makes it more difficult for vehicles to stop quickly. This is particularly true for large trucks. Recently, wet, slippery road conditions in the Baltimore area caused a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck was carrying a load of magazines and other U.S. mail, so a postal inspector had to come monitor the clean-up. This delayed traffic on the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270 for over eight hours. Fortunately, this accident did not involve any injuries or fatalities, but if the accident had occurred during rush hour, it is likely that the outcome would have been far more serious.

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), weather conditions caused 127 single-vehicle truck accidents and 114 multi-vehicle accidents. The report included a separate category for slick roads. Wet road conditions caused an additional 240 single-vehicle accidents involving large trucks and an additional 950 multi-vehicle crashes.

When roads are wet, there is an increased risk of hydroplaning. This makes it more difficult for motorists to maintain control of their vehicle and come to a complete stop. It is particularly important for truck drivers to be aware of these risks and make the appropriate adjustments to their speed, and to leave a longer following distance between their truck and the vehicle in front of them. In addition to hydroplaning, a truck’s wheels create a spray that can be extremely dangerous for other motorists in the vicinity, as it can impact visibility.

Wet Roads are Not an Excuse for an Accident

Truck drivers have a responsibility to make the appropriate adjustments when they are driving in inclement weather, including heavy rain. If a truck driver does not make these adjustments, they may be held liable for any injuries or property damage resulting from the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the truck company may also be liable for a truck accident that occurs on a slick, wet road.

Truck accident victims often suffer devastating injuries, so it is crucial that they have a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer on their side to secure the financial compensation they deserve. A truck accident reconstruction expert can help obtain important details about the accident. Eyewitness testimony can also help build a solid case for compensation.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Weather-Related Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident that occurred on a slick, wet road, you are urged to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will not stop fighting for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.