Portland Snow Plow Accident NYS Thruway Authority: Snow Plow Operator Injured In Chautauqua County Semi-Truck Accident On Interstate 90 Freeway
PORTLAND, NEW YORK (November 22, 2019) – A snow plow driver was injured in an accident after being rear-ended by a tractor trailer truck on the Interstate 90 Freeway.
New York State Police are saying that the semi-truck accident took place around 12:30 p.m. For reasons that remain under investigation a NYS Thruway Authority snow plow truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck.
Both vehicles veered through a guardrail and came to rest in a ditch following the collision. The 49-year-old driver of the tractor trailer had to be airlifted to a hospital and was issued multiple traffic citations.
The driver of the snow plow was taken to the Westfield Memorial Hospital in order to receive treatment. An investigation into the snow plow accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In New York Semi-Truck Accidents
All truck drivers are required to operate their vehicles according to the prevailing conditions of the road. According to New York Vehicle & Traffic Code 1180 (a), “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” If the conditions on the road are wet, icy and otherwise hazardous truck drivers should reduce their speed far below the posted speed limit.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can be very difficult to operate. It takes a while to bring a commercial truck to a stop. this is why semi-truck drivers must also maintain a safe follow distance with the vehicle ahead of them. There is simply no excuse why a semi-truck driver should ever rear-end another vehicle. In most situations there is a presumption of liability on the part of a driver that rear-ends another vehicle. Here are just a few of the most common reasons why truck accidents take place.
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
- Driver fatigue
- Prescription drug use
- Adverse weather conditions
Any person that is injured due to the negligence of a semi-truck driver may be able to seek justice through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many victims of truck accidents may not realize the full extent of their injuries until several weeks or months after a collision. A truck accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Help After A Portland Snow Plow Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the snow plow driver injured in this accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the New York State Police as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that measures are put in place to prevent additional accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligence of a semi-truck driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions about the law or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.