Atkinson, NH — February 6, 2025, a woman was injured in a pedestrian versus snow plow accident sometime in the afternoon near Pope Road.

According to authorities, a woman was on foot in the parking lot of an apartment complex off of Pope Road in the vicinity south of S.H. 121 as she attempted to clear snow off of her vehicle when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a snow plow truck that had been working in the parking lot reversed over the woman, apparently trapping her beneath it. She was extricated by emergency personnel before being transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive treatment for serious leg injuries. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is struck by a reversing snow plow, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

Why didn’t the plow operator see the woman? Snow plows often operate in low-visibility conditions, but drivers are responsible for being aware of their surroundings, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present. Investigators should determine whether the driver checked their mirrors and blind spots before reversing and whether any obstructions in the cab or on the truck itself limited their view.

Did the plow have proper safety equipment? Many commercial plows are equipped with backup alarms, cameras, and mirrors designed to alert drivers and pedestrians to potential hazards. If those features were missing, disabled, or not functioning properly, that could have contributed to the crash. Investigators should review maintenance records and inspect the vehicle to determine whether safety equipment played a role.

Was the plow driver following proper procedures? Plowing in an active parking lot requires extra caution, as people may be walking between vehicles or clearing snow from their cars. Investigators should determine whether the driver followed standard operating procedures, including using spotters or checking for pedestrians before backing up.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Whether the plow was operated by a private contractor or a municipal service, the company or agency responsible for its operation has a duty to ensure drivers are properly trained. If the driver lacked experience, wasn’t trained on operating in pedestrian-heavy areas, or was under pressure to complete the job quickly, that could be relevant in understanding why the crash happened. Investigators should examine company policies, driver history, and past safety violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.