Roadway Debris And Poor Visibility

Commercial drivers should be prepared for all types of hazardous weather conditions and road debris. One wrong move can cause the truck to roll over, jack knife, collide with another vehicle or the load to fall. The poor weather, objects in the road and road construction are not excuse for an accident.

At Crandall & Pera Law, our Ohio attorneys understand how dangerous truck accidents can be. People can die, requiring a wrongful death lawsuit. Drivers, passengers and pedestrians can suffer a catastrophic or permanent injury.

Our firm has a strong record of success in personal injury lawsuits, including many multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and many substantial settlements. We fight for every dollar, including payment for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement and scarring.

The Dangers Of Inclement Weather And Road Debris

The weather elements can create many problems for truck drivers that cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Bad weather can cut down on the driver’s visibility and make it hard for the truck’s tires to grab the road. Wet weather can create oil slicks.

In really treacherous weather, such as a severe thunderstorm or tornado, the best course of action is to get off the road and stop somewhere. Poor weather drivers should consider driving in a slower gear, going slower, making sure their lights are on so others can see them and otherwise take steps to properly handle the bad weather. Trucks should have working windshield wipers, reflectors, headlights and tail lamps.

Common weather problems range from snow and ice in the winter to fog, hail and sleet across the shoulder seasons and dust and heat throughout the summer. The elements affect more than just the driver. They can also affect parts of the vehicle. For example, high heat can cause the air in tires to expand, creating the real possibility of a blowout. Dealing with the elements can cause driver fatigue.

Road Debris And Dangerous Conditions

Truck drivers need to be aware of many types of road dangers beyond the elements. Any road debris, road object or road complication can cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. When accidents happen due to debris on the road, the primary responsible parties are the driver and the companies that owned the truck and gave the driver the road assignment. In many cases, if the driver had been going slower or paying attention, the accident could have been avoided.

Secondary parties our firm may hold liable are entities that are responsible for maintaining the road. Normally, the United States government is responsible for federal roads, the state of Ohio is responsible for state routes, and the local counties and municipalities are responsible for local roads. Suits against government agencies have very short time limits. Additionally, the government agencies must be given notice of the intent to sue within months after the accident happened.

Some common road dangers that can cause accidents include:

• Potholes and sinkholes
• Road construction
• Unpaved roads and poorly paved highways
• Uneven roads
• Improper signs, especially at intersections
• Lanes that are not clearly marked because the paint has faded or there are no reflectors
• Traffic lights that do not work
• Poorly marked detours

Our Ohio road debris attorneys understand why these accidents happen and which parties should be held accountable. Our firm also brings lawsuits when the debris on the road is a result of the truck’s cargo being spilled onto the road because it was not properly secured or because of overloading. Cargo spill creates the danger of multivehicle accidents because many cars will be forced to slam on their brakes to try to avoid the collision. Debris overflow may also cause cars to steer off the road or into oncoming lanes.

Schedule An Appointment With An Ohio Attorney As Soon As You Can

In weather-related cases, and cases involving road debris or poor road conditions, it is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Witnesses tend to forget the weather elements quickly. If the government failed to maintain the road, they may fix the problem before it can be fully investigated. In all personal injury cases, the sooner you see the right doctors, the better.

Crandall & Pera Law meets clients in Chagrin Falls, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Chesterland and across Ohio and Lexington in northern Kentucky. Call us at 855-444-6651 to discuss your case for free. You can also schedule an appointment through our contact form.