Trucker injured after two tractor trailers collide in foggy conditions in Kansas. According to a report from KAKE News, a 54-year-old truck driver sustained significant injuries following a collision at a highway junction near Marion. A preliminary investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol determined that the collision happened when a westbound semi-truck—operated by the Kansas City-based driver—failed to properly yield at the roundabout. Notably, foggy conditions were cited as a factor in the crash. Within this article, our Kansas City semi-truck accident lawyer explains the key things to know about weather and tractor-trailer accidents.
Adverse Weather Dramatically Increases the Risk of a Truck Accident
A fully loaded commercial truck in Kansas or Missouri can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. These large vehicles must be operated with the highest level of care. The inherent safety risk posed by commercial trucks is exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. Inclement weather—from heavy rain to fog to snow/ice to high winds—poses unique challenges to truck drivers, whose vehicles require more distance to stop and are more susceptible to losing control.
The size and weight of trucks, combined with slippery or obscured roads, heighten the risk of truck accidents. These factors not only endanger the truck driver, they pose a risk to everyone on the road. This was notably evident in a recent incident where a trucker was injured after two tractor trailers collide in foggy conditions in Kansas.
Truckers and Trucking Companies Must Adjust to Weather Conditions
There is no question that poor weather can make a semi-truck accident more likely to happen. That being said, truckers and trucking companies are responsible for adapting to the weather conditions. Proper planning is an absolute must.
Truck drivers must be trained to handle adverse conditions, such as reducing speed, increasing following distances, and knowing when to pull over. If a large commercial truck cannot be operated safely because of poor weather, then it cannot be lawfully operated at all. The trucker has a duty to delay travel until road conditions are safe.
A Truck Driving or Trucking Company May Still Be Liable for a Crash in Poor Weather
Despite the challenges posed by poor weather, liability in truck accidents under such conditions often still rests with the truck driver and/or the trucking company. Remember, liability is determined based on whether the driver or the company acted negligently.
In Kansas and Missouri, truckers and trucking companies have a duty to adjust for the weather conditions to ensure the safe operation of their vehicle. Even in poor weather, a failure to take reasonable precautions can result in a finding of negligence. Every large truck accident should be thoroughly investigated by a top-tier Kansas City tractor-trailer accident lawyer.
Contact Our Kansas City Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City commercial truck accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters most. If you were involved in a crash with a semi-truck that happened in poor weather conditions, such as the recent incident where a trucker was injured after two tractor trailers collide in foggy conditions in Kansas, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With an office in Kansas City, we handle truck accident claims in Kansas and Missouri.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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