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When you live in the Midwest, snowplows are a welcome sight during winter storms. Even though Missourians are used to driving on snow and ice, it’s still a challenge to get around when a blizzard makes operating a vehicle a dangerous feat.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Peterson Law Firm know that Missouri snowplow drivers have an important and difficult job. They're tasked with clearing roads quickly and thoroughly, often in low-visibility conditions, across long shifts. But we also know that the job can create situations that put other drivers at serious risk. Here, we discuss why snowplows can cause injury accidents and what to do if one hits your car or causes you harm.
Snowplow Accidents: Catastrophic Injuries and Difficult Claims
Snow plows are critical for keeping Missouri roads passable during winter storms. However, they also introduce dangerous circumstances that can increase the risk of a collision. A fully-loaded snowplow weighs over 10 times more than a passenger car. In a collision, occupants of the smaller vehicle often suffer the worst injuries—including the following potentially permanent or fatal trauma:
Common Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Fractures, lacerations, and contusions
Survivors of a snowplow accident may require intensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and lifelong care. However, seeking compensation for those costs isn’t easy or simple.
Complicated Personal Injury Claims
Snowplow accident claims come with difficult legal hurdles, including dealing with the following:
- Sovereign immunity. If the snowplow belongs to a government agency, special rules limit your ability to sue. You'll have much less time to file and need to follow strict notice procedures.
- Independent contractors. Many cities and counties outsource snow removal. If a private plow hits you, determining who is liable—the driver, the company, or the government—makes claims complex.
- Comparative negligence. Plow companies will try to shift as much blame as possible to the victim. Under Missouri’s comparative negligence laws, if an individual is partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced proportionately by that percentage.
- Overlapping policies. Both auto and general liability insurance may be involved. A lawyer can help coordinate coverage to maximize your financial recovery.
Our Kansas City personal injury attorneys know that you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages after a snowplow crash—but you'll need an aggressive legal strategy to get it. The sooner you discuss your situation with our attorneys, the better.
Factors in a Snowplow Collision
When you see a snowplow driver on the road, it’s possible they’ve been working a long, tough shift. Driver fatigue is a common factor in snowplow crashes because plowing the roads is exhausting work. Tired operators are at risk of losing focus or falling asleep at the wheel. Other factors in a snowplow accident may include the following:
- Slowdowns. A “strike team” may include several plow trucks, some with TowPlows and wing plows, and this team may block all lanes on a major highway. This can lead to slowdowns and interfere with normal driving and traffic rules.
- Blind spots. Snowplows are massive vehicles. Even with additional mirrors, plow drivers have limited visibility—putting smaller cars at risk.
- Impatience. Some snowplow drivers feel pressured to clear roads fast. Speeding, risky passes, and sudden maneuvers can end in crashes. Whether it's a city plow, county truck, or private contractor, every minute a roadway stays uncleared costs money. But that pressure to keep roads open shouldn't come at the cost of safety. Careless or reckless snowplow operation puts everyone in danger.
- Equipment failure. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or broken blades can send even careful drivers sliding out of control into traffic.
Safety Requirements for Snowplow Drivers
Driving a snowplow isn't like operating a standard car or truck. These heavy-duty vehicles require specialized skills and constant vigilance to maneuver safely. Snowplow drivers have a duty to do the following:
Conduct Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections
Before hitting the road, plow operators must carefully examine their vehicles for any mechanical issues that could lead to accidents, including:
- Low fluid levels and leaks
- Tire condition and pressure
- Wiper blade performance
- Plow and spreader connections
- Horns, lights, and backup alarms
Follow Run Maps
Most public works departments and private plowing companies have detailed snow removal plans. Drivers should stick to assigned routes and prioritize high-traffic roads like highways, emergency routes, and major arteries.
Adjust Speed and Spread Patterns for Conditions
Light, fluffy snow can be cleared quickly. But heavy, wet snow or icy pavement requires much slower speeds to avoid losing control. Experienced plow operators know how to:
- Maintain low, steady speeds under 35 mph
- Accelerate and decelerate gradually
- Increase the following distance to account for longer stopping times
- Clear a path wide enough for safe passage of emergency vehicles
Use Warning Lights and Signals
Snowplows move slowly and make frequent stops. To alert motorists, snowplow drivers must activate safety features like:
- Flashing amber lights
- Turn signals well in advance of directional changes
- Backup alarms when reversing, even if no cars are visible
What a Snowplow Driver's Negligence Causes an Accident
Snowplow accident claims are complex. Multiple parties, from drivers to government entities, may be negligent and share liability. To build the strongest case, your attorney may investigate the following:
- If the driver was properly trained and supervised
- If the driver ignored safety protocols or agency requirements
- If the plow was properly maintained with standard safety features
- If broken equipment or mechanical failures contributed to the crash
- If the GPS records, dash cams, or traffic footage show unsafe driver actions
Most people don’t expect a snowplow to cause an accident. But when the unexpected happens, you have the power to protect your health, your family, and your future. Let the personal injury lawyers at Peterson Law Firm help. We will gather extensive documentation for your injuries and damages and fight for full and fair compensation, including past, current, and future medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, reduced future earning potential, and more.