Who Is Liable After a Snow Plow Truck Accident in Texas?

An accident involving a snow plow in Texas can have complex legal implications for those injured. These accidents may involve government agencies, bad weather conditions or an insurance company that denies liability – all of which can complicate a claim. You can work with a truck accident attorney in San Antonio to determine who is liable for your snow plow accident. 

Common Causes of Snow Plow Truck Accidents in Texas

Operating a snow plow requires special training, as the truck driver needs to be able to safely control the snow plow on icy roads. Unique challenges are involved, as the operator is driving in dangerous road conditions with reduced tire traction. 

If a snow plow operator is negligent or does not act with the proper amount of care, he or she could cause a devastating accident with other drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians. Examples of snow plow truck driver errors include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, failing to keep a proper lookout and driving under the influence.

Sometimes, a snow plow truck accident is not the fault of the operator alone. Issues with snow plow maintenance, upkeep and part breakdowns can also contribute to these collisions. A careful investigation of the snow plow accident will likely be necessary to determine who is at fault before an insurance claim can be filed. Speak with a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio for legal guidance.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for a Snow Plow Accident in Texas?

Knowing who is liable, or financially responsible, for your snow plow accident and where to file your insurance claim takes understanding Texas’s fault-based insurance law. Under this rule, the person or party that causes a traffic accident is held responsible for paying for related injuries and property damage.

Snow plow accident cases are unique because they involve the liability of the company or government entity that owns the truck, not just the driver. The majority of snow plows that operate in Texas are owned by the government.

Snow plows that operate on major highways and state routes are owned by the Texas Department of Transportation, while municipal roads are generally plowed by trucks owned by the city government. A claim against the government has a unique process, such as having to notify the government agency within just a few months of the accident to have a valid claim.

What to Do After a Snow Plow Truck Accident

If you get hurt in a collision involving a snow plow, get medical care immediately. Before you leave the scene, try to exchange information with the snow plow driver and take clear pictures of the accident scene. Write down a description of what happened in your own words. Report the accident to the police and ask for your police report number. Avoid admitting any fault.

How to Seek Financial Compensation

As a victim of a snow plow accident in Texas, you may be eligible for financial compensation from one or more at-fault parties. Begin the recovery process by filing a claim against the owner of the snow plow. You should also notify your own car insurance company. 

Before you engage in settlement negotiations with an insurance claims adjuster, however, contact a local accident attorney in San Antonio for legal advice. An attorney can help you go up against a government agency and fight for the compensation that you deserve for serious injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the snow plow accident.

To discuss a particular snow plow accident case with a truck accident lawyer near you, contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.