Snow removal trucks are a common sight on North Dakota roads in winter. While these trucks provide a valuable service, their size and weight also mean they can cause horrific injuries in a collision. If you sustained injuries in an accident with a snow removal truck, a North Dakota personal injury attorney can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Read on for more information about snow removal truck accidents and how a lawyer can assist you.
Common Causes of Snow Removal Truck Accidents
Many snow removal truck accidents in North Dakota result from negligence by the truck driver or other parties. Some common causes of snow removal truck crashes include:
- Limited Visibility – Snow, fog, or darkness can obscure a snow removal truck driver’s view, making it difficult to see other vehicles or pedestrians. If truck drivers don’t pay attention to the environment around them, they might miss a nearby vehicle or other hazard and cause a crash.
- Large Blind Spots – Due to their size and shape, snow removal trucks have large blind spots on all sides. Careless truck drivers might miss smaller vehicles near the truck, especially when the truck is turning or backing up, which can lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue – Snow removal truck drivers often work long shifts during storms, leading to driver fatigue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and may struggle to stay alert, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during extended winter operations.
- Mechanical Failures – Snow plows and salt spreaders put heavy demands on equipment, and frequent use can wear down crucial parts. Mechanical issues, such as brake failures or malfunctioning plows, can make it difficult for the driver to control the truck, leading to potential accidents.
- Excessive Speed – To cover more ground quickly during storms, some drivers may exceed safe speeds for road conditions. This increased speed can make it harder to stop or maneuver, especially on icy roads, raising the likelihood of crashes.
Who’s Liable for a Snow Removal Truck Crash?
A personal injury attorney can identify who’s liable for your injuries after a snow removal truck crash so you can pursue fair compensation. The potentially liable parties for these collisions include:
- Snow Removal Truck Driver – The truck driver may be liable for a collision if they were speeding, driving while fatigued, or failing to follow safe practices. Ignoring blind spots or not adjusting behavior for severe road conditions could also place responsibility on the driver.
- Municipalities or Government Agencies – If the truck driver worked for a city or state agency, the government entity may be responsible for an accident. Government agencies are often liable for snow removal truck accidents resulting from poor maintenance, inadequate training, or pressure on drivers to work excessive hours, which can lead to driver fatigue and significant errors.
- Private Snow Removal Companies – If a private business was operating the snow removal truck, the company may be liable for a crash if they failed to properly train drivers, maintain equipment, or set safe guidelines for drivers.
- Truck Maintenance Providers – If the accident resulted from equipment failure, the maintenance provider may be liable for not adequately inspecting or repairing the truck, particularly if brake or plow issues contributed to the crash.
Compensation for a Snow Removal Truck Accident
The key to maximizing your compensation after a snow removal truck accident is to work with a lawyer who can help you identify and document all your losses. With a lawyer’s help, you could claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Contact Our North Dakota Snow Removal Truck Accident Attorneys Now
While you usually have six years from your injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Dakota, claims against government agencies (which often operate snow removal trucks) have much shorter timelines. If you don’t file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of a crash involving a government agency, you could lose your right to compensation. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., now or reach out online for a free consultation.
