Car Accidents Involving Dump Trucks
Dump trucks haul materials and debris to and from construction sites. Like other commercial trucks, dump trucks are substantially larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, especially when they are fully loaded. Due to their size and weight, dump trucks often cause severe damages in a car accident.
Car accidents involving dump trucks may result in catastrophic injuries, debilitating pain, and costly financial losses. By getting to the cause of a dump truck collision, truck accident lawyer Daniel D. Moody assists victims in Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas in holding liable parties accountable for accident damages.
Causes of Dump Truck Accidents
There are a wide range of factors that can contribute to a dump truck car accident, which is why it is so important for the cause of a truck crash to be investigated by accident reconstruction experts. Most commonly, investigators find that one of these causes was responsible for a dump truck accident:
- Driver negligence: It takes special skill and training to safely maneuver a dump truck. Unfortunately, many truck drivers do not take their responsibility seriously. Dump truck accidents are often caused by reckless or negligent driving practices, such as speeding, driving while fatigued, driving under the influence, driving while distracted, or neglecting to follow proper safety protocols.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Dump trucks carry various types of debris and materials, including bricks, stones, and hazardous materials. If cargo is not properly secured or loaded, it can spill into the road and cause an accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Construction companies are responsible for having their vehicles inspected and repaired on a regular basis. If construction companies neglect that duty, vehicle failures can occur and are likely to lead to an accident.
- Vehicle malfunction: Dump trucks must rely on steering, brakes, tires, and other vehicle systems to function properly. If any part of those systems is defective or malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing flaw, it can cause a car accident.
Dump Truck Accident Damages
Dump trucks are extremely large and heavy. If they are involved in a car accident, the impact of the collision will be severe. Unfortunately, that means that catastrophic injuries are likely. Dump truck accident victims may suffer from broken bones, organ damage, neck injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. In addition to the physical damages of a dump truck accident, injury victims are likely to suffer losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
Liability for Accident Damages
The person or party that is at-fault for a dump truck accident should be held liable for resulting losses. There are several different parties that may be found partially or fully liable for a dump truck crash. Depending on what is found to be the cause of a dump truck accident, liability may fall on:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that owns the dump truck
- A parts or system manufacturer
Contact Us
Victims of car accidents involving dump trucks may be due substantial financial compensation for accident damages. If you’ve been injured in a crash and would like to learn more about your legal options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Daniel D. Moody. Send us a message online, or call our Lakeland law firm at (863) 284-9090 to get started.