Dump trucks can be dangerous to other passengers on the roadways due to their large size, as well as their weight.
If you suffered injuries related to an accident involving a dump truck, learn how a Los Angeles dump truck lawyer may help you with your legal rights. Contact our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks transport different types of material to, from, and around a construction site. There are several different types of dump trucks, some of which include hydraulic systems or several different axles. All of these systems can malfunction or have manufacturing defects causing serious injury or even death.
Dump trucks may haul materials like debris from the construction site, concrete, rocks, hazardous materials, or other supplies. In some cases, the dump truck may need to travel on public highways and roadways along with other passenger vehicles.
Causes of Dump Truck Accidents
The substantial weight and size of a dump truck require a skilled driver with training and experience to ensure the safety of other motorists on the roadways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets regulations regarding the operation of dump trucks.
Unfortunately, in some cases, a passenger vehicle and a dump truck collide, causing catastrophic damage and injuries. The following are some causes of dump truck accidents.
Dump Truck Driver Negligence
A dump truck driver must have a level of training and experience to operate a dump truck safely on the roadways. A driver can be held responsible when they operate a dump truck negligently, such as:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Driving while distracted.
- Failing to follow roadways signs.
- Speeding.
- Failing to follow safety regulations.
- Failing to load and secure cargo according to FMCSA rules.
- Overloading cargo.
- Operating the vehicle in a reckless manner.
When dump truck drivers act negligently, they place themselves and other motorists on the roadway in danger. Any negligence or recklessness on the part of the dump truck driver can lead to catastrophic injuries or death of others when an accident occurs.
It is important to note that if you suffered injuries as a direct result of a dump truck driver’s negligence, you might have the legal right to hold not only the driver responsible for your injuries, but also the trucking or construction company.
An employer has the responsibility for any negligent acts of their employees during the course of normal business. Therefore, a victim has the possibility of filing a possible claim against the driver, the company employing the dump truck driver, or in some instances, both entities.
Construction Sites
Construction sites are often close to highways and roadways where passenger vehicles travel. Dump truck drivers, as well as construction companies, have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the environment near public roadways remains safe for motorists.
Construction sites should ensure that a dump truck does not deposit debris, hazardous material, or supplies on the roadways, which could cause a serious accident. Additionally, dump truck drivers have a responsibility to continually monitor their surroundings to ensure that they do not operate the dump truck in such a way that could cause injury or losses to motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians near the construction site.
Cargo
The cargo held by a dump truck can cause a serious accident on the roadways. Cargo in a dump truck can include debris and garbage from the construction site, hazardous materials, stones or bricks, or other types of construction materials. If the cargo remains unsecured in the dump truck, or if the dump truck is overflowing with improperly secured cargo, the spilling of that cargo onto the roadway can cause severe injuries or death. According to Sec. 393.100 of the FMCSA Regulations, cargo should always be properly loaded to stay secure throughout the entire time it is in the dump truck. If a truck driver or construction company fails to load cargo correctly, they may remain liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
Maintenance
As with any vehicle, regular maintenance is a necessity. However, with a dump truck, the construction company must ensure that there are no mechanical issues that could lead to an accident.
If a construction company utilizes a dump truck, they have a legal obligation to maintain it regularly and as needed. If an accident is a direct result of a failure of the steering wheel, brakes, tires, or other dump truck parts due to a lack of maintenance, the construction company will likely remain liable for any injuries or damages that result.
Manufacturing Defect
In some cases, an accident involving a dump truck relates to a manufacturing design or defect in a part of the dump truck. If a manufacturing defect directly causes an accident or causes an accident to be more serious, a victim has the legal right to sue the manufacturer for placing that defective product into the stream of commerce under product liability law.
For a free legal consultation with a Dump Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Learn How a Los Angeles Dump Truck Lawyer Can Help
If you suffered injuries or if your loved one died due to an accident involving a dump truck, you may face substantial medical bills, the loss of wages due to the inability to return to work, pain and suffering, as well as property damage.
Learn how a Los Angeles dump truck lawyer can help you obtain justice as well as compensation for your injuries by contacting our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and help you determine whether you can pursue compensation for your injuries and losses due to your accident involving a dump truck.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form