Due to their large size and weight, dump trucks can cause serious injuries or even death when involved in accidents. If you suffered injuries in a dump truck accident, an Orland Park dump truck accident lawyer may be able to help you. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at 800-794-0444 to learn more about how you may be able to recover a just settlement or judgment for your injuries and damages.
Types of Dump Trucks
There are several types of dump trucks on the roads and at construction sites. They include:
- Truck and pup.
- A super dump truck.
- A semi-trailer.
- A semi-trailer bottom, which is also called the belly.
- A double and triple trailer bottom.
- A side dump truck.
- A winter service dump truck.
- Off-highway heavy construction dump trucks, typically called haul trucks.
Understanding the types of dump trucks can help you identify the type of dump truck that collided with your vehicle so you can determine who bears responsibility for your injuries and damages. If you suffered injuries due to an accident with a dump truck, an Orland Park dump truck accident lawyer may be able to help you. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. We can help you to determine who may be liable and whether or not you may be entitled to compensation.
Causes of Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks are unique in their shape and size and can cause a variety of accidents. These include collisions with other vehicles, construction accidents, and pedestrian injuries. Determining who is liable for a dump truck accident depends on several factors.
Dump Truck Driver Negligence
There are many examples of dump truck driver errors and negligence. Examples of this include:
- Overloaded dump trucks.
- Failure to brake in time.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving while fatigued.
- Driving while distracted.
- Failing to follow safety procedures.
- Failing to unload cargo in a specified area.
- Failing to monitor ongoing activity.
- Reckless or careless behavior while driving.
These are not the only examples of instances in which the dump truck driver’s negligence may have caused or contributed to your accident. Your lawyer can help you review the evidence and discuss the options that may be available to you.
Construction Site Accidents
Dump trucks are common at construction sites, many of which are located directly next to roadways. Dump trucks will sometimes use these roads to haul materials in and out of the construction site. Dump truck drivers have the responsibility to monitor their ongoing environment, especially if they are entering a public highway, thoroughfare, or roadway. Failing to yield to other motorists could cause a catastrophic accident.
Unsecured Cargo
A truck driver must secure the cargo on a dump truck, or it will pose a serious threat to workers, pedestrians, or other motorists on the roadways. The load can spill from the dump truck if it is not secured properly and lead to severe injuries or even death. Additionally, the cargo itself can be hazardous or toxic and pose serious risks as well. Every dump truck driver should secure their cargo before driving the truck.
Failure to Maintain Dump Trucks
Dump trucks require specific maintenance to ensure safety and avoid mechanical issues. The dump truck’s owner, the construction company, or any third-party that uses a dump truck for business purposes has a responsibility to inspect and maintain that dump truck according to the appropriate maintenance schedule. If any important part or component of a dump truck fails, such as the tires, wheels, steering wheel, or brakes, the vehicle can cause catastrophic damage. In these cases, the truck’s owner or company is liable for any injuries or damages that a victim suffers as a result of the owner’s failure to inspect and maintain the vehicle properly.
Hazardous Weather
Dangerous weather, such as ice, snow, rain, or extreme wind, can be a factor in a dump truck accident. Dump truck drivers should receive proper instruction and training on how to operate these large vehicles in all types of weather conditions. If the trucking company fails to adequately train the dump truck driver, or the dump truck driver operates the dump truck in a negligent way in hazardous weather and someone is injured, the victim may be entitled to compensation.
These are just a few of the causes of dump truck accidents. Determining who is liable, however, can be complicated. Your lawyer can take on the responsibility of demonstrating liability, so you can focus on your recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Dump Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Orland Park, call (800) 794-0444
Determining Liability
Dump truck drivers must follow all traffic laws and federal and state regulations. Dump truck companies or construction companies using dump trucks must follow all regulations and ensure that maintenance on the truck is done correctly.
While you may think the driver of a vehicle is liable for an accident, that may not always be the case. The company that owns the truck, the corporation that owns the company, and sometimes even the truck’s manufacturer may be liable.
Orland Park Dump Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact an Orland Park Dump Truck Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries or if your loved one has suffered a wrongful death due to a dump truck accident, you deserve the best possible legal help. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. We can help you determine who is at fault and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form