While snow plows make Indiana’s roads safer in winter, they can cause serious injuries when they strike pedestrians or other vehicles. Someone who sustains severe injuries in a snow plow accident resulting from someone else’s legal fault could be eligible for significant financial compensation in an Indiana personal injury case.
How Common Are Snow Plow Accidents in Indiana?
It’s difficult to say how common snow plow accidents and snow removal injuries are in Indiana. No federal agency currently tracks this data. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) doesn’t include this data in its annual Crash Facts reports either.
However, some states do track snow plow accident rates. Reviewing their data can provide a sense of how common these accidents may be in Indiana. For example, Iowa, which has a similar climate to Indiana, sees about 46 snow plow accidents annually. Indiana has about double the population of Iowa, which suggests the state likely has around 90 snow plow accidents per year.
Common Snow Plow Injuries
Snow removal injuries can vary in severity depending on many factors. Common injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
Plows are large and heavy vehicles. Unfortunately, such vehicles have the potential to cause significant harm when they collide with other road users.
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Around Snow Plows
Snow plow drivers and the companies and government entities they work for are primarily responsible for improving snow removal safety. However, there are steps you can take to stay safe when driving or walking near plows. They include the following:
- Stay off the roads in snowy conditions unless you have no other choice.
- Give snow removal equipment sufficient space to maneuver around you.
- Be aware that snow plows may make sudden stops or turn unexpectedly.
- Wear reflective clothing if you’re walking, and keep your headlights on if you’re driving to ensure plow operators see you.
- Don’t pass in front of an active snow plow, even if you’re stuck behind a slow one.
- Allow an approaching snow plow to pass by before crossing the street.
- Don’t let children play near the street in snowy weather. They may be at risk of getting hurt in snow plow accidents if they get too close to the road.
Suing a Private Snow Removal Company for an Accident in Indiana
Have you sustained injuries in a car accident involving snow removal equipment? Do you believe your accident resulted from negligence on the part of the plow’s operator or their employer?
You may file an insurance claim with the insurer of a private snow removal company in these circumstances. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses resulting from snow removal injuries.
Talk to Our Indiana Snow Plow Injury Lawyers Now
At Craig, Kelley and Faultless LLC, we’re ready to provide the aggressive representation you deserve when facing off against the insurance company for the at-fault party. Learn more by contacting a personal injury lawyer at our law firm for a free case evaluation.
