Dump truck accidents can be serious. Between 2015 and 2020, 536 dump truck-related deaths occurred in the U.S. From 2011 to 2020, 809 construction workers lost their lives because of dump truck accidents. Being involved in these incidents can cause physical and emotional pain and financial losses.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, our Dallas dump truck accident lawyers operate diligently to get victims and other affected parties the compensation they deserve following a dump truck incident. We specialize in personal injury claims, accident lawsuits, and relentless client justice.
What Is a Dump Truck?
A dump truck is a transport vehicle that carries large quantities of sand, gravel, and construction debris. Construction companies rely on these vehicles to transport other materials, like industrial and demolition waste and coal.
You shouldn’t confuse dump trucks with cement trucks. Companies use dump trucks mainly for transporting loose materials. Cement trucks, on the other hand, are used primarily for transporting concrete.
Large dump trucks can carry loads of up to 28,000 pounds. Smaller trucks are capable of handling up to 15,000 pounds.
Dump trucks are also called:
- Tipper trucks
- Dumper trails
- Heavy trucks
The bed of a dump truck uses a hydraulic system to lift the bed to deliver a load. Dump trucks streamline on-site operations by picking up and delivering materials.
What Are the Different Types of Dump Trucks?
There are variety dump trucks on the road with their own unique features and capacities:
- Super dump trucks: What makes these trucks super is their separate load-bearing, which makes them capable of withstanding extremely heavy loads. The trailing axle also allows the truck to carry additional loads without neglecting safety regulations.
- Side dump trucks: A typical side dump truck is a tractor with an attached semi-trailer. The driver can tilt the bed to either side to unload materials quickly on the left or right.
- Haul dump truck: These large-capacity vehicles can hold up to 400 tons of material, making them popular selections on large construction sites. To unload their materials, they engage hydraulic front lifts.
- Articulated haul dump truck: Articulated trucks have the advantage of being heavy-duty dump trucks that can operate efficiently on rough terrain—meaning they don’t depend on smooth or flat roads.
3 Factors Causing Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks are heavy machinery, making them dangerous for Dallas drivers and nearby pedestrians. Here are three reasons dump trucks can wreak havoc and cause serious injuries.
1) Higher Stopping Distance
Unlike small vehicles, dump trucks require a higher stopping distance when coming to a complete stop. If the driver doesn’t decelerate in time, they might collide with drivers in front of them. Stopping distance will also depend on how fast the vehicle moves and its load weight.
2) Unsecured Load
Dump trucks are hazardous on highways because their raw materials can come loose, resulting in debris spills and collisions. Materials like building debris and asphalt released from the truck can damage nearby vehicles.
3) Tipping Risk
Dump trucks are at increased risk of tipping. The elevated danger of tipping can occur for several reasons, including:
- Uneven ground
- Soft surfaces
- Capacity overload
- Mechanical failure
When dump trucks carrying oversized loads tip, massive material is scattered.
Establishing Liability in a Dump Truck Accident
Who’s liable in a dump truck accident? There’s no easy answer. Multiple parties can be responsible for a collision or a dump truck incident, including:
- The truck company
- The construction company
- The truck owner
- The driver
- Third parties
Blame will depend on the accident conditions and contributing factors. For example, drivers may be responsible for an accident if they were impaired, distracted, or ignored safety regulations.
The vehicle may have had mechanical problems before an operation. If so, the trucking company may be liable for damages and on-site injuries. The crew designated to maintain the truck will also be liable.
When factors like extreme weather conditions affect the dump truck performance, liability can be difficult to determine. Roads may be improperly maintained before an accident. In that case, local parties like road maintenance contractors can be responsible for incidents.
A truck wreck lawyer in Dallas can help establish liability and identify at-fault parties.
What Should You Do Following a Dump Truck Accident?
If you’re injured in a dump truck accident, seek medical treatment immediately. Common injuries resulting from a dump truck accident can include the following:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
You should also call local law enforcement authorities and gather crucial documentation to strengthen your case when you file a claim. Examples of documentation should include:
- Medical bills
- Wage loss documents
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Witness statements
Why Hire a Dallas Dump Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case?
After a dump truck accident, contact an expert truck accident lawyer in Dallas. Injury claims are challenging to manage alone, and without help, victims may not receive the financial compensation they deserve. Additionally, insurance companies representing truck drivers or their companies may fight hard to avoid paying victim compensation.
A truck wreck lawyer in Dallas with years of experience can navigate the complex legal system and gather crucial evidence proving negligence by the driver or his trucking company.
For example, an expert attorney might be able to prove that negligence occurred because the truck driver was impaired or because the truck company didn’t address a mechanical concern. Additionally, a reputable attorney will work tirelessly to ensure you receive a settlement worth more than what truck insurance companies offer.
An experienced commercial vehicle lawyer can obtain reasonable compensation to cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
5 Questions to Strengthen Your Dump Truck Accident Case
Your Dallas dump truck accident lawyer will likely ask several questions before proceeding with a case. Here’s what an attorney will ask to understand the legal actions available:
- Who was operating the truck, and were they driving responsibly?
- Did the driver’s employer act irresponsibly in any way?
- Was the driver overworked?
- Did the driver receive proper training before operating a dump truck?
- Which insurance company is liable for the accident?
The Value of Hiring a Dallas Dump Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve become a victim of a dump truck accident in Dallas, time is of the essence. Angel Reyes & Associates has a team of professional truck accident lawyers in Dallas ready to fight for you. For over 30 years, we’ve worked diligently with clients and won over 40,000 cases while securing $1 billion in client settlements.
How much is your case worth? You can find out more with our quick online case calculator to start your journey to justice.
Partner with Angel Reyes & Associates Law
Our case results speak for themselves. We’ve represented clients in auto and 18-wheeler accident cases, helping them secure compensation to cover financial losses. Best of all, we don’t charge fees unless you win your case, so you can rest easy knowing there aren’t additional financial hurdles you must handle.
Contact Angel Reyes & Associates if you need a commercial vehicle lawyer for your dump truck case.
