Due to a dump truck’s weight and size and the nature of construction sites, accidents involving these trucks can be especially dangerous.
Whether caused by operator error, negligence, or worksite hazards, dump truck accidents can have devastating consequences.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in an Arlington Heights dump truck accident, you do not have to go through this difficult period alone. An Arlington Heights dump truck lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to support you.
These attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you will not pay unless you receive compensation. If you are ready to get started, call the office at (800) 223-5115 to schedule a meeting.
Types of Injuries Associated with Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks can be a mainstay at construction, excavation, demolition, and landscaping sites. They may be used for a range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects from clearing lots to paving roadways, and are generally used to transport loose materials, such as dirt, sand, gravel, demolition waste, or other items.
In a crash, the size, weight, and design of these trucks make them extremely dangerous to other vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. The fact that they have high or nonexistent bumpers heightens the risk of danger, as other cars may slide beneath the truck in a rear-end collision.According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), accidents with large, heavy vehicles, including dump trucks and multi-unit tractor trailers accounted for 110,000 injuries and 4,000 fatalities in 2015 in the United States. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that in 2018, accidents involving large trucks accounted for 11 percent of deaths in motor vehicle crashes. Injuries associated with dump trucks can range in type and severity. Some of them can include:
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Permanent disfigurement
- Death
In addition to pain and suffering, some crash victims experience psychological and emotional turmoil, which may include stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Physical and psychological trauma may take anywhere from weeks to years to recover from. For some, the effects last a lifetime.
Damages Associated with Dump Truck Accidents
Like the injuries associated with dump truck crashes, losses can vary. An Arlington Heights dump truck accident lawyer can help you identify all of the losses you have suffered. These may include factors such as current medical bills and the sum of lost wages to date, as well as anticipated costs of medical assistance and reduced earning capacity.
For a free legal consultation with a Dump Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 223-5115
Determining Liability
Determining liability can be a difficult process. With dump trucks accidents, more than one party may be at-fault, including the driver or their employer. Occasionally, the truck manufacturer may even be liable.
Dump truck drivers can be either employees or contractors. They do not own the truck themselves, and they may be covered under an employer’s insurance plan. In this case, even if the driver caused the accident, the employer’s insurance provider may be responsible for compensating the victims.
However, if a driver acted outside the scope of their employment, either by disobeying company policy or breaking the law, the employer’s insurance may be inapplicable. In this case, you may have to pursue awards directly from the driver in civil court.
Dump truck accidents can occur because of negligence. Negligence can include driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions, overloading vehicle capacity, making too wide a turn, passing another vehicle too closely, or operating a vehicle while exhausted, distracted, or under the influence.
When investigating a dump truck accident, an Arlington Heights dump truck lawyer may also find that the driver or their employer is negligent if one or both parties failed to comply with state and federal laws and regulations. Commercial vehicles are subject to specific rules in addition to general traffic laws. The FMCSA has established and enforced these laws.
All dump truck drivers must have FMCSA-approved training, registration, and licensure before they can get behind the wheel. Operating without the proper registration and license is against the law and may be considered an act of negligence.
Commercial vehicles must also undergo routine inspections. It is typically the employer or truck owner’s responsibility to address any issues and take the vehicle out of commission until it is repaired. Continuing to use a truck that did not pass its inspection may count as negligence.
Arlington Heights Dump Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Illinois 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/13-202 and you also have two years to sue for wrongful death under Illinois 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes §5/13-209. It is important for you to pursue legal action within this time frame, because your insurance claim may be denied if you do not meet the statute of limitations for your case.
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Connect with a Lawyer Near You
You do not have to navigate this challenge alone. An Arlington Heights dump truck lawyer can support you by negotiating with insurance companies, defendants, and the defendant’s legal representatives on your behalf. If necessary, your attorney can help you file a personal injury suit and represent you in a civil court of law.
If you are ready to see if an Arlington Heights dump truck lawyer could help you, turn to the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Call (800) 223-5115 to speak with a staff member to schedule a no-obligation consultation to find out how we can assist you.
Call or text (800) 223-5115 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form