Snowplows are essential for keeping highways and roads clear during winter weather. While these massive vehicles help improve safety, they can also cause significant dangers when accidents occur. A single snowplow crash has the potential to block lanes of traffic, cause chain-reaction collisions, and leave multiple drivers and passengers injured.
If you or a loved one is hurt in a snowplow-related accident, it is crucial to understand how liability is determined and what options you have for seeking compensation.
Why Snowplow Accidents Can Be So Dangerous
Snowplows are large, heavy vehicles equipped with blades and salt spreaders. Their size, weight, and limited maneuverability make them especially dangerous in certain conditions. Common factors that contribute to snowplow accidents include:
- Limited visibility: Poor weather conditions often reduce sight lines for both snowplow operators and drivers nearby.
- Reduced stopping ability: Snowplows carry heavy loads, making it harder to stop quickly.
- Roadway blockages: A plow that loses control can block multiple lanes, triggering pileups.
- Driver distraction or error: Even professional operators can make mistakes under stressful conditions.
Because of their role in road maintenance, snowplows are often out during the worst weather, when the risk of accidents is already heightened.
Determining Liability in Snowplow Accidents
Liability in snowplow accidents can be complex. Several parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances:
- Government agencies: Many snowplows are operated by city or state departments. If a government-employed operator causes an accident, these entities may be held accountable.
- Private contractors: Private companies are hired to clear roads in some areas. If a contractor’s snowplow causes a crash, the company and its insurer may bear responsibility.
- Other drivers: Sometimes collisions happen because other motorists fail to drive cautiously near snowplows.
Claims against government entities can involve special procedures and strict deadlines, which makes legal guidance especially important.
Common Injuries From Snowplow-Related Collisions
Accidents involving snowplows often result in serious injuries due to the size and force of these vehicles. Victims may suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations or crush injuries
- Emotional trauma from multi-vehicle crashes
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work—making fair compensation vital to recovery.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If you are injured in a snowplow-related crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, both immediate and long-term
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and future care needs
Because multiple parties and insurance companies may be involved, recovering full compensation can be more complicated than in a standard accident claim.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Snowplow Accident
Snowplow accidents often involve government agencies, contractors, or large insurance providers—all of which can make pursuing a claim more challenging. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and determine liability
- Navigate government claim requirements and deadlines
- Collect evidence to strengthen your case
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers
- Pursue litigation if necessary to secure fair compensation
Without legal guidance, victims risk being pressured into settlements that don’t cover the actual costs of their injuries.
Baltimore Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a snowplow accident that caused a highway blockage or collision, you deserve answers and strong representation. At United Attorney Group, we are dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they need to move forward.
Call us today at (844) 960-9800 for a free consultation and let our team stand by your side every step of the way.
