Winter Motor Vehicle Accidents and Snowplows – When you need An Attorney

Rohan Mathew

Updated on:

Different parts of the United States experience snowfall. Maryland is one such state that sees more than 20 inches of heavy snowfall. Drivers should be extremely cautious and prepared for icy, snowy, and slippery roads. Fortunately, there are snowplow drivers on duty, paving their way for drivers in the winter. 

Snowplows as well as salt trucks take utmost care to keep the roads clear before and after snow. 

However, still, there are reports of accidents between snow plows and cars. If you require a lawyer, Barnes Law Firm is the right place. Seek assistance before it is too late.

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Car Accidents

Snowplows spend hours on their job, trying to keep up with incessant snowfall during winters. Even though they are cautious, snowplow and car accidents are common. Some of the common incidences are:

  • Untreated roadways
  • Intoxicated snowplow drivers or motorists
  • Low visibility due to rain, sleet, icy weather, and snow
  • Defective snow plow equipment
  • Tired snowplow drivers
  • Inattentive pedestrians and motorists
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving into others’ property like stalled or parked cars
  • Rash driving

Tips To Share The Pathway With Snowplow Drivers in Winter

Snowplows are extremely heavy vehicles traveling only 35 miles an hour. It is, often, frustrating to be behind a snowplow or even next to these gigantic vehicles. However, on the road, every motorist should be responsible enough to give space to the snowplows to move freely and do their job. 

So, what should you do? Here’s what you should do:

  • Snowplows need a lot of room to move around. Drivers should maintain at least a distance of 10 cars in length. Snow, rocks, salt, and road debris may fly from the snowplow’s blades, possibly even hitting cars nearby and reducing visibility.
  • Roads ahead of snow plows are unlikely to be plowed or treated yet. Drivers should be patient when they are traveling behind it, to allow the snowplow to pave its way ahead. 
  • Snowplow approaching from another direction on a highway, especially undivided, is risky. Drivers should always pull far right to avoid flying dirt and muck. 
  • Motorists should avoid passing snowplows. Do not pass a snowplow, as you might not know what’s lying ahead. There could be worse conditions lying ahead or even another snowplow, blades pointing out but not visible.

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Options For Drivers Involved in Winter Snowplow Accidents

Even cautious drivers may land up in a major accident on an icy, snowy road. Through salt trucks and snowplows do everything humanly possible, accidents happen. Drivers involved in such winter-weather accidents can take these necessary steps:

  • Attend injured passengers while waiting for the emergency team
  • Move people and vehicles safely off the pathway to avoid further accidents
  • Take pictures or videos of the scene involving the injuries, damaged vehicles, debris, roadway, and weather conditions
  • If there are any witnesses nearby, collect their statement and contact information
  • Drivers must comply with local police and the emergency team, but avoid admitting fault
  • Drivers must have access to insurance information from the vehicles involved in the accident

Drivers have to file an emergency report with their insurance company and with the police station. For any legal assistance, they must contact an experienced lawyer.