Principle Attorney
When a snow plow causes a collision or sends debris into your vehicle, you may have the right to pursue compensation even if the driver works for a city or state agency. Colorado law allows claims in specific situations, including negligent plow operation, unsafe snow removal practices, or careless driving by private contractors. Understanding where liability falls helps you protect your rights after a winter crash.
Why Snow Plow Accidents Are So Dangerous
Snow plows are large, heavy vehicles with wide blades that reduce maneuverability and increase stopping distance. When plows strike cars, push snow or ice into roadways, or create visibility issues, the results can include:
- Front-end or side-impact collisions
- Damage from flying debris or chunks of ice
- Crashes caused by narrowed lanes or obstructed intersections
- Serious injuries due to the force generated by heavy equipment
We help injured drivers understand who may be responsible and what steps to take next.
Governmental Immunity for City and State Plows in Colorado
Many plow trucks are operated by city or state employees, so claims often fall under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA). This law restricts lawsuits against government agencies, but it does not provide blanket protection.
When Immunity Applies
Government agencies are generally protected from claims involving routine snow removal, judgment calls, or discretionary decisions made during winter maintenance.
Exceptions That Allow Injury Claims
Colorado law creates several situations where you may still bring a claim, including:
- Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
- Failure to maintain government-owned vehicles
- Dangerous conditions created by the employee that fall outside standard snow removal discretion
If a government plow driver causes a direct collision, operates recklessly, or creates a hazard that should have been avoided, you may fall within a recognized exception.
Strict Notice Requirements for Claims Against a Government Agency
If your accident involves a city or state plow, you must act quickly. Colorado law gives you only a short window to notify a government agency about your claim, and missing that notice period can prevent you from recovering compensation.
A proper notice must include:
- Your name and contact information
- A description of how the incident occurred
- The injuries and damages you suffered
- The government agency you believe is responsible
We assist you in preparing and filing this notice so your rights remain protected throughout the CGIA process.
Private Contractor Liability for Plow Accidents
Colorado municipalities often hire private snow removal companies. Unlike government agencies, these businesses do not benefit from CGIA immunity. Claims against private contractors generally follow standard personal injury law.
Common negligent actions include:
- Driving too fast for icy road conditions
- Failing to secure or position a plow blade correctly
- Leaving piles of snow or ice that block traffic
- Failing to check blind spots when backing up equipment
Because private contractors must carry liability insurance, we can pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and long-term injury effects.
Common Scenarios Where You May Have a Claim
Winter crashes vary widely, but certain patterns appear in many cases. You may have a viable claim if your injuries were caused by:
1. Direct Collisions With a Plow
Plow drivers who drift across lanes, fail to yield, or misjudge clearance can cause high-impact crashes. The size of the vehicle often leaves smaller cars with extensive damage.
2. Debris Damage From Pushed Snow or Ice
Plows that send ice chunks, rocks, or packed snow into traffic can damage windshields, hoods, and undercarriages. If the driver operated the blade improperly or drove too fast, liability may apply.
3. Unsafe Road Conditions Created During Plowing
Improper snow placement, blocked sightlines, and uncleared intersections can trigger secondary accidents. These hazards may support a claim when a plow operator fails to follow reasonable winter maintenance procedures.
What We Can Do to Help You Move Forward
After a plow-related crash, the legal process is rarely straightforward. From immunity issues to insurance disputes, you need a team that understands Colorado’s winter-road liability rules and how to build a strong claim.
We will help you:
- Investigate the accident
- Determine whether a government or private contractor is responsible
- Preserve evidence, including dashcam footage and witness reports
- Meet all notice and filing deadlines
- Pursue full compensation for your injuries
Your Next Step Toward Recovery
If you were injured in a snow plow accident, you do not have to sort through the legal process alone. We are ready to evaluate what happened, explain your options, and protect your claim from the deadlines that apply to government and private plow operators.
Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC to schedule a consultation. We will help you understand your next steps and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.