It may seem like Mother Nature is out to test the driving skills of even the most experienced driver during the winter months. Winter driving and semi-truck crashes on mountain passes near Salt Lake City, such as Big Mountain Pass and Guardsman Pass, can result in severe injuries and even fatalities.
The Garner Law Firm has over a decade of experience representing clients in semi-truck accidents. We can take on the tough cases and work hard to help our clients obtain an optimal outcome. If you want to seek compensation for the damages you suffered in a truck accident, we can start building your case.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents on Mountain Passes in Winter
Winter road conditions can make semi-truck driving even more dangerous. According to the Department of Transportation, 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snow-covered or icy pavement. In 2022, there were 1,018 truck accidents in Utah.
When a passenger vehicle is in an accident with a semi-truck, the outcome can be catastrophic, but when you add snow, black ice, and sleet to the conditions, that same collision can be even worse.
Some of the reasons that winter weather can cause semi-truck accidents include:
- Reduced traction. Snow and ice on the road make it difficult for a truck to stop.
- Reduced visibility. Heavy snowfall and fog decrease a driver’s ability to see the road.
- High winds. The large surface area of a truck makes it susceptible to being pushed off course by strong wind.
- Cold weather effect on components. Freezing temperatures can sometimes lead to mechanical failures that can increase accident risk.
Collisions involving semi-trucks are more complex than standard accidents involving passenger vehicles. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine the cause of an accident and hold the liable parties responsible.
Trucking Rules for Bad Weather Driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets federal rules for commercial driving. The rulebook has guidelines for semi-truck drivers to follow when driving in bad weather to help mitigate accidents. One of the most important rules is to increase their following distance, since a large, heavy truck needs more stopping time when the roads are slippery.
The FMCSA sets hours-of-service limits for truck drivers, but the rules allow some additional driving time during bad weather to account for slower travel. This allowance keeps truckers moving, but it can also create a situation where fatigued drivers stay on the road even longer.
Determining Liability in a Winter Weather Semi-Truck Accident
Utah law states that icy or snowy conditions are foreseeable. Utah winters bring snow and freezing temperatures, and drivers are expected to adjust their driving habits to fit the road conditions. Drivers have a duty of care under Utah Code 76-2-103 to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. This duty of care means that they should act as any reasonable person would under the same circumstances.
If a driver, whether a semi-truck driver or the driver of another vehicle involved in an accident, breaches this duty by driving recklessly, they may be held liable. Some common breaches of duty include:
- Driving too fast for the road conditions. Federal regulations require semi-truck drivers to adjust their speeds for winter weather. Even the posted speed limit may be considered negligent.
- Lack of training. Not all trucking companies train their drivers for winter conditions and driving over Utah’s mountains.
- Following another vehicle too closely. Trucks need more braking time when the roads are slippery.
- Improper braking. Sudden braking on slippery roads can cause a trailer to swing.
- Poor truck maintenance. Faulty brakes or worn tires may contribute to loss of traction and control in winter weather.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident on one of Salt Lake City’s mountain passes, you may need to hire a truck accident lawyer to help with your case. An experienced attorney familiar with truck accident laws can move quickly to access and preserve electronic data from the truck’s computer system, get witness statements, and consult with medical experts to determine the financial impact of your injuries.
FAQs
Why Are Semi-Truck Crashes More Common on Mountain Passes Near Salt Lake City During Winter Weather?
Semi-truck crashes are more common on mountain passes near Salt Lake City during winter weather because of the possibility of rapidly changing road conditions. Trucks need more stopping distance, especially when travelling downhill in icy conditions. If a truck starts to slide or jackknife, it is difficult to avoid a crash.
Which Mountain Passes Near Salt Lake City Are Most Dangerous for Semi-Truck Accidents in Winter?
The mountain passes near Salt Lake City that are the most dangerous for semi-truck accidents in winter are I-80 or Parley’s Canyon, and I-84 and I-80 through Echo Canyon. These have steep descents and rapid weather changes that can make driving dangerous. Parley’s Canyon has sharp curves and heavy traffic that make it difficult for semi-truck drivers.
What Causes Loss of Control or Jackknife Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks on Icy Mountain Roads?
A jackknife accident on icy roads can be caused by loss of traction. Because semi-trucks have a high center of gravity and long trailers, black ice or ruts in the snow can reduce traction and cause the trailer to swing out and make the tractor pivot. This creates a V or L-shape as the tractor and trailer fold toward each other.
Who May Be Liable for Winter-Related Semi-Truck Crashes on Mountain Passes in Utah?
The person or entity that may be liable for winter-related semi-truck crashes on Utah mountain passes depends on the accident. It could be the driver or the trucking company if they failed to properly maintain the truck. Maintenance contractors may also be liable, or the cargo loaders if the load was not secured correctly and shifting caused the accident, and government agencies may also be held liable if the roads were not maintained.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck and want to seek compensation for damages, contact the team at The Garner Law Firm. We can review your case and advise you of your legal options in your Salt Lake City truck accident claim.
