Setareh Law
May 6, 2026
When a commercial truck is involved in a weather-related crash, the consequences can be devastating. Rain, fog, high winds, and slick roads all create serious hazards on California highways, and the size and weight of large trucks make these conditions even more dangerous. While many people assume weather alone is to blame when these crashes occur, that is rarely the case. Other drivers, trucking companies, and even government entities may all share responsibility for what happens on the road.
At Setareh Law, our truck accident attorneys have seen firsthand how weather conditions interact with driver negligence to cause serious injuries. With over $250 million recovered for injury victims and more than 60 years of combined experience, our team knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly and fight for the compensation you deserve. We serve clients across California and offer consultations in both English and Spanish.
What Weather Conditions Contribute to Truck Accidents?
California drivers encounter a wide range of weather on any given trip. While the state is known for sunshine, fog in the Central Valley, rain along the coast, and high winds in mountain passes all create real risks for commercial truck drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s crash data, rain, fog, and severe crosswinds each contributed to thousands of large truck crashes in a single year, including hundreds of fatal crashes.
Several weather-related hazards appear most often in truck accident cases, including:
- Rain and wet roads, which reduce traction and increase stopping distances
- Dense fog, which cuts visibility and makes it difficult to judge speed or distance
- Strong crosswinds, which can destabilize a loaded trailer and push a truck out of its lane
- Snow and ice, particularly on elevated roadways, passes, and bridges
These hazards do not excuse a driver’s duty to adjust their behavior to the conditions. When the weather turns dangerous, all drivers, especially those operating large commercial vehicles, must slow down, increase following distance, and make sure they have their lights on.
How Does Negligence Factor Into Weather-Related Truck Accidents?
Bad weather does not automatically reduce liability for a crash. California law requires all drivers to exercise reasonable care, and that standard adjusts based on conditions. A truck driver who maintains highway speeds in a downpour, fails to pull over in zero-visibility fog, or ignores crosswind warnings on an open stretch of highway may still be held liable for a collision. Rear-end collisions caused by following too closely in wet conditions are a common example of how driver negligence and weather can overlap.
Trucking companies may also bear responsibility. If a company pressured their driver to continue operating during dangerous conditions, failed to maintain brakes or tires to handle slick roads, or did not train them on adverse weather protocols, they may share liability for the resulting harm. A thorough investigation is often necessary to uncover these critical details.
What Are the FMCSA Regulations on Adverse Driving Conditions?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules governing how truck drivers must respond to dangerous weather. Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers may extend their hours of service by up to two hours if they encounter adverse driving conditions that could not have been reasonably anticipated before the trip began. However, this exception does not apply when a driver knowingly sets out in bad weather. This distinction matters in a legal case because it shows they had prior knowledge of unsafe conditions but chose to proceed anyway.
These regulations set a clear standard of care for the industry. When a driver or company violates them, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence. Our team reviews FMCSA compliance records, driver logs, and dispatch communications as part of every truck accident investigation.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Weather-Related Truck Accident Claims?
Insurance companies frequently attempt to use weather as a shield against paying full compensation. They may argue that conditions made the accident unavoidable or try to assign a greater share of blame to you. Navigating these tactics without legal support can leave you with far less than your injuries require. Insurance bad faith practices in truck accident claims are not uncommon, and having an attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Gathering strong evidence early is critical in these cases. Useful evidence includes photos of the accident scene, weather records from that day, the truck’s electronic logging device data, police reports, and witness statements. Documenting your medical treatment, lost income, and other losses from the start strengthens your claim considerably.
Contact Setareh Law to Discuss Your Weather-Related Truck Accident
If you were seriously hurt in a truck accident during bad weather, you may still have strong legal options for recovery. Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and severe fractures are common in large truck collisions, and the financial impact can last a lifetime.
Our personal injury team at Setareh Law takes these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover for you. We also offer home visits for clients who are unable to come to us. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
