Were you hurt in a snowplow truck accident in Cheyenne or elsewhere in Wyoming? If so, Attorney Sean Olson and his team at Olson Law Firm, LLC want to help. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Snowplows are supposed to help keep Wyoming’s roads safe during wintry conditions. But with more of these large and heavy trucks on slick and often icy roads comes an increased risk of injury accidents – especially when operators are careless.
Due to their large size, snowplows can cause tremendous damage to vehicles during collisions. Drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles are at risk of suffering severe and possibly catastrophic injuries if they’re involved in a crash with a snowplow in Wyoming.
If a negligent snowplow driver, the company that owns the truck, or another entity was responsible for your crash, you have the right to seek compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced Cheyenne snowplow attorney, call Olson Law Firm, LLC, chat with us live, or fill out a form today.
Snowplow Accident Statistics
Almost 900 people are killed and about 76,000 people are injured every year due to collisions during snowfall or sleet, The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates. With Wyoming’s heavy snowfall in winter, local residents know all too well how dangerous roads can become.
While snowplows are used to improve road conditions during snowy weather, they also bring new hazards to the roads. In fact, throughout snow plow season – which is generally from October through April – the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) keeps track of all collisions related to snow plow trucks. As of late 2019, there were already 21 snowplow truck accidents during the season.
According to WYDOT’s snowplow accident statistics, there were between 8-13 snowplow related collisions in Wyoming during previous seasons. However, these figures only include snowplow trucks operated by WYDOT. With municipal snowplows and private snow removal contractors throughout Wyoming, the total annual numbers are likely much higher.
Major Causes of Snowplow Accidents
Snowplow trucks can be dangerous for a number of reasons. First, they typically travel much slower than surrounding traffic. They also kick up snow, creating poor visibility for other drivers as well as the snowplow driver. These hazards are worsened during snowy weather, when visibility and road conditions are dangerous to begin with.
When it comes to snowplow truck accidents in Cheyenne, these are some of the most common causes:
- Poor visibility and whiteout conditions
- Reckless driving or speeding
- Impaired or fatigued plow truck drivers
- Inexperienced plow truck drivers or insufficient training
- Faulty snowplow truck equipment
- Dangerous, slippery roads
Insurance Claims after Being Injured by a Snowplow Truck
Claims involving snowplow truck accidents are usually more complicated than typical passenger vehicle collisions. This is because liability isn’t always clear, and there may be multiple responsible parties.
When determining fault in a snowplow accident claim, several factors should be considered, such as:
- Was the accident caused by negligence the part of the snowplow truck driver?
- Was the accident caused because the snowplow driver’s employer failed to provide adequate training?
- Was the snowplow truck being operated by WYDOT, a municipality, or a private contractor?
At Olson Law Firm, LLC, our Cheyenne snowplow accident attorney can conduct an independent investigation into the collision to determine what really happened and who was really at fault. We can then create a custom legal strategy for your claim to pursue the highest compensation available.
Potential Compensation after Being Injured by a Snowplow
If you’re struggling after being involved in a snowplow accident, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation. While financial compensation can’t undo a collision with a snow truck, it can help you put your life back together and get the medical care you need.
Victims of snowplow collisions in Wyoming may be entitled to different types of compensation:
- Economic Damages – Economic damages refer to any losses related to the accident that comes with a specific dollar amount attached. This includes lost wages, costs for medical care, damage to your vehicle, rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired, and more.
- Non-Economic Damages – This type of compensation covers the non-economic effects of the collision, including pain and suffering or emotional distress. If the accident caused death, the surviving spouse may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death and loss of companionship.
To discuss the specifics of your case and to get a better idea of the compensation you might expect from your claim, reach out to our experienced Cheyenne snowplow accident lawyer today.
Tips for Staying Safe While on the Roads with a Snowplow Truck
Encountering a snowplow on the roads is inevitable during colder seasons. But with these tips, you can stay safe and reduce your chances of being involved in a snowplow truck accident in Cheyenne:
- Maintain a safe distance behind snowplow trucks until it’s safe to pass. The snowplow driver will typically move over when it’s safe for both of you, so be mindful of this.
- If you’re driving and you see a cloud of snow farther up the road, use caution, because there might be a snowplow truck ahead.
- If you’re driving behind a snowplow truck on a two-lane road, do not pass it on the right side, because it may be using its wing plow.
- Be sure to stay far enough behind snowplows so that you’re visible in their rear-facing mirrors.
Contact Olson Law Firm, LLC in Cheyenne If You Were Injured by a Snowplow
If you or a loved one was injured in a snowplow truck accident in Cheyenne, you have a right to hold all responsible parties accountable. At Olson Law Firm, LLC, we’ve helped victims of snow truck accidents secure fair compensation for their pain and suffering, vehicle damage, medical care, and more.
To speak with a personal injury accident lawyer in Cheyenne, contact us today. Attorney Sean Olson will be ready to review your case and discuss your legal options for free at your initial consultation.