Can I Sue for Damages Caused by a Snowplow?

 Posted on November 20, 2019 in Truck Accidents

When winter weather makes Illinois roads impassable, we rely on hardworking teams of snowplow truck drivers to clear the way. Although rare, snowplow truck accidents do happen, and the results are often catastrophic. A fully loaded snowplow truck can weigh up to 50,000 libs or more. Pedestrians or other motorists can easily be injured or even killed in a snowplow accident. If you or a loved one were hurt in a snowplow accident, you may be eligible for compensation.

Causes of Snowplow Accidents

Snowplow drivers have an extremely difficult job. Maneuvering through snow and ice-covered streets takes skill and attention. In addition, snowplow drivers often must work extremely long hours – especially during winter snowstorms. Driver fatigue is a major concern for many municipalities and private snowplowing companies. When snowplow drivers are sleepy, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or distracted, they can make mistakes that lead to serious accidents. Trucks and snowplow equipment that are not properly maintained can breakdown or malfunction causing personal injury and property damage. Low visibility, road hazards, and inadequate driver training can also contribute to snowplow accidents.

Who is Responsible for a Snowplow Accident?

The majority of personal injury claims involve negligence or recklessness. If another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to hold that party accountable through a personal injury claim. The party responsible for your damages may be the individual truck driver, the company who owns the snowplow business, the municipality managing the snowplow program, the party who performed maintenance on the truck, the truck manufacturer or truck parts manufacturer, or another entity. If a city-owned snowplow truck causes an accident, it may be possible to sue the city, but doing so can prove quite difficult. For help determining the cause of your accident and holding the responsible parties liable, contact a qualified truck accident attorney.

What Types of Damages Can I Collect in a Snowplow Accident Lawsuit?

Through a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for injuries and property damage caused in a snowplow accident. You may be able to receive reimbursement for lost wages from missed work, ambulance fees, hospital bills, ongoing or expected future medical care, reduced employability, pain and suffering, and more. Under Illinois comparative negligence law, you may be eligible for compensation even if you were partially to blame for the accident. As long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can still pursue compensation.

Contact an Experienced Lake County Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has been harmed in an accident involving a snowplow truck or another large vehicle, contact a Waukegan injury lawyer from Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Call 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K2-1116.htm

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf