Federal Trucking Regulations & Weather Safety

Truck drivers are legally required to modify their behavior during dangerous weather. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) outlines clear mandates:

• Reduce speed in hazardous conditions including:
  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Ice
  • Sleet
  • Fog
  • Mist
  • Dust
  • Black Ice
  • High winds
• Stop driving altogether when conditions become too dangerous to operate safely

Failing to slow down or pull over can make both the driver and their employer legally liable.

Negligence Isn’t Excused by Weather

Bad weather is a condition—not a defense.

Negligent trucker behavior during storms or freezing conditions includes:

• Driving too fast for the weather
• Tailgating or following too closely on slick roads
• Refusing to stop despite near-zero visibility or icy surfaces
• Ignoring weather advisories or DOT warnings
• Proceeding through black ice zones instead of pulling off safely

Sometimes the trucking company is just as culpable for:

• Pressuring drivers to meet strict deadlines
• Failing to ensure trucks are properly winterized or maintained

How We Prove Fault in a Weather-Related Truck Crash

Our legal team acts fast to secure evidence and build a compelling case.

We gather:

• Black box data: Speed, braking patterns, throttle usage
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) reports to verify driver behavior
• Weather data, dispatch logs, and location timelines
• Crash scene evidence including:
  • Skid marks
  • Vehicle damage
  • Debris fields
  • Paint transfers on fixed objects
  • Roadside damage (signs, barriers, trees)

We also obtain and review:

• Maintenance records
• Driver-dispatch communications
• Any documentation indicating pressure to continue driving in unsafe conditions

Mechanical Failures Are Also a Factor

Winter weather stresses truck systems. Truckers and companies are responsible for:

• Checking and maintaining tires with proper tread
• Ensuring brake systems function correctly
• Replacing worn wiper blades and maintaining visibility
• Verifying the condition of electrical and engine components

If the accident was worsened by mechanical neglect, we’ll pursue all responsible parties, including third-party maintenance providers.

What to Do After a Bad Weather Truck Accident

Take these steps to protect your health and your case:

• Call 911 and seek immediate medical help
• Photograph the scene, weather conditions, and vehicle positions if possible
• Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer
• Contact us immediately at (704) 542-1555

The earlier we begin working, the better chance we have to preserve vital evidence.

Talk to a Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Bad weather doesn’t excuse negligent driving. If a trucker or their company ignored safety protocols, you may have a strong claim for compensation.

At the LawyerPower Office of Mark Farbman, we fight for victims injured by reckless trucking practices—even in the toughest conditions. Let us investigate, gather proof, and hold the at-fault parties accountable.

Call (704) 542-1555 or contact us online for your free consultation.