What to Do If You Are Affected by a Semi Wreck in Winter Weather

When winter weather strikes, road conditions can get dangerous fast. While semi-truck drivers are required to practice extreme caution in adverse winter weather, such as reducing speed, increasing their following distance, and avoiding the use of jake brakes to prevent jack knifing, not every driver will follow these regulations. Other drivers have not been properly trained to drive in adverse weather.

This can lead to accidents involving semi-trucks, which may also result in several other wrecks when drivers attempt to quickly stop on icy and snowy roads that have no traction. Just one collision can rapidly turn into a multi-car pileup, stranding victims and others stuck in traffic on the road for hours. That is why it is crucial for semi and passenger vehicle drivers alike to drive with caution and prepare for the worst when driving in winter conditions.

Below are some tips to prepare yourself and your vehicle in the event of a winter weather accident, whether you drive a semi-truck or a passenger vehicle.

How Should I Prepare My Vehicle for the Winter?

During the winter season, you want to be sure your vehicle is in the best shape for handling cold temperatures, snowy and icy roads, and the possibility of being stuck or stranded on the road in case of a wreck or backed up traffic preventing you from moving. It is important to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have it properly serviced for the season.

Be sure to have a mechanic inspect and possibly fix the following:

• Antifreeze levels
• Battery charge
• Belts and hoses
• Brakes and brake pads
• Defroster
• Headlights, taillights, and hazard lights
• Heater
• Oil
• Tires, checking for proper air pressure and sufficient tread
• Windshield wipers and wiper fluid.

Not only can you potentially prevent an accident if your vehicle is properly maintained, but you can also ensure that you are safe inside the vehicle in the event of an emergency; especially if you are stuck in the cold or snow for an extended period. Most importantly, try to keep a full tank of gas as often as possible to ensure you have enough fuel in case you are stranded.

What Should I Keep in My Vehicle for a Winter Weather Emergency?

If you are in a wreck or stranded on the roadways due to winter weather, keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle could save your life. Keep the following items in your vehicle to help keep you safe in case of an emergency:

• Proper winter gear and clothing, such as gloves, a hat, a coat, etc.
• Thick blankets or a sleeping bag
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Windshield brush/scraper
• Flashers or road flares for if you are stopped on the road and there is low visibility
• First aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Maps
• Portable phone charger
• Weather radio
• Sand or cat litter for tire traction
• Shovel.

In the event that you are stranded, usually you should not leave your vehicle. Staying inside protects you from harsh weather, and it is easy to become disoriented in wind and snow. You should only leave your vehicle if you are able to see help within 100 yards, or staying in the vehicle exposes you to greater danger.

While in your vehicle, run the motor for about five minutes every half hour for heat. Your vehicle uses about one gallon of gasoline for every hour spent idling. This is why having a full tank of gas can save your life. Open your window slightly while the vehicle is running to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and make sure no snow is blocking the exhaust pipe.

Use flashers or road flares to help rescuers see you in the snow. If you are stranded at night, turning on your dome lights while the vehicle is on can make it easier for help to see you in the dark. When it is no longer snowing, pop the hood of your vehicle to show that you need assistance.

Being trapped or stranded after a wreck in winter weather can be fatal if you are not prepared. By following these tips, you could save your life in the event of an emergency.

Ask David: Episode 76 of After the Crash with Ashley Napier

David W. Craig is the managing partner and a founding member of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, a personal injury and wrongful death law firm. He has authored two books, Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, to help victims navigate the legal process.

Ashley Napier is the Litigation Supervisor at Craig, Kelley & Faultless. She is a crucial member of the firm’s legal team, working to keep attorneys, file managers, legal assistants, and law clerks on track.

She and David discussed semi-truck wrecks in winter weather and the best ways to prepare for winter emergencies on a recent episode of After the Crash, David’s free podcast. Ranked fourth-best personal injury podcast by FeedSpot, After the Crash educates and empowers listeners.

Carissa asked David questions about personal solicitation, lead generation, and researching attorneys during episode 76.

Want to Know More? Check Out These Resources

Learn more by following Craig, Kelley & Faultless on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are nationally recognized and have helped clients across the country recover from life-altering wrecks. They are prepared to fight insurance companies and motor carriers on your behalf.

Both attorneys David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless specialize in truck accident cases and are board-certified in truck accident law by the NBTA, accredited by the American Bar Association. The firm also has a rapid response team—including investigators, reconstructionists and mechanics—that is sent to the scene of a wreck to collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired.

For a free case consultation, contact the team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless today by calling (888) 253-5198 or submitting an online form.

David W. Craig is a nationally recognized truck accident lawyer who sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. He was the recipient of the National Thurgood Marshall “Fighting for Justice” Award for his work helping victims of truck wrecks. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.