Memphis regularly sees a daily average high temperature of just 49° Fahrenheit in the winter, with daily highs rarely exceeding 55°F. This often leads to slippery, icy road conditions. Without a responsible approach to driving and maintenance, Memphis’ frozen highways can lead to serious injuries involving trucks and other large vehicles.
If you were hurt in a Memphis truck accident involving icy roads, you have the right to file a claim against the negligent party. The team of skilled truck crash attorneys from the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs can help you navigate the complexities of the process and get the justice and compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Trucks on Icy Memphis Roads
Even experienced truck drivers struggle with maintaining control in slippery conditions. Some of the most common ice-related dangers in Memphis:
Reduced Traction
Ice makes it harder for trucks to grip the road, which increases the risk of skidding or jackknifing, especially on some of Memphis’ windiest roads, like those in Meeman-Shelby Forest and around Sardis Lake.
Extended Stopping Distances
A truck’s weight already requires long braking distances. Ice makes stopping even harder, with a tractor-trailer’s braking distance being up to 10 times longer in icy conditions compared to a dry road.
Unstable Loads
Memphis is a major route for cargo and freight companies, and shifting cargo can cause a truck to tip or lose control.
Limited Visibility
Snow, ice, and fog reduce a truck driver’s ability to react quickly.
All parties involved in transporting cargo on trucks must be prepared for adverse weather conditions. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable.
Who Is Liable for an Icy Road Truck Accident?
While it may feel natural to blame the weather for truck collisions involving icy roads in Memphis, there is always a person or entity involved. A lawyer will gather evidence to determine the responsible party, but those held responsible may include the truck driver, the trucking company, and other entities.
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior to match hazardous road conditions. If a driver was speeding or following too closely, they could be held responsible for the accident.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company is responsible for hiring qualified drivers and making sure they are trained for winter driving. If the employer fails to do so or, worse, pushes the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines in dangerous conditions, they could share liability.
Freight Loaders or Shippers
Improperly secured cargo can make a truck unstable and increase the risk of a crash on slippery roads. If a shipping company is negligent in securing the cargo, it could be held accountable.
Government Entities
The City of Memphis Street Maintenance maintains most of the roads in Memphis, but the federal government and private parties — such as a grocery store responsible for maintaining the road into its loading dock — may also carry responsibility for road maintenance during poor or icy weather. If the government failed to maintain the road properly during the icy period, it could share liability. Claims against government entities require swift legal action. Missing tight filing deadlines could lead to case dismissal.
Recoverable Damages After a Tractor-Trailer Crash Caused by Icy Roads
18-wheeler accidents that occur on icy roads in Memphis often lead to severe injuries. Heavy-loaded vehicles contribute to a significant impact. Injuries sustained in such accidents usually need long-term treatment and may reduce the person’s quality of life significantly.
Damages the injured party can claim have to cover the treatment, lost wages, and future expenses related to getting their life back on track. Meanwhile, they can also claim compensation for the injury-related reduction in quality of life.
David and Elissa can help determine the amount of fair damages and make sure the claim includes all the relevant details.
Talk to an Attorney in Memphis about Truck Accidents Involving Icy Roads
If you were hurt by a truck in icy weather conditions, you can seek compensation. An experienced attorney can help you find all parties responsible for Memphis truck accidents involving icy roads and file a claim against them.
At the Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, we have already helped many injured people receive the compensation they deserve. Call us for a free consultation at any time.
