What You Should Know About Dump Truck Accidents

Dump trucks are some of the most common and heavily used equipment in construction sites. They are used for moving concrete, gravel, sand, dirt, and other materials. They are capable of carrying approximately six to 15 tons of cargo, depending on their specific size. While dump trucks are essential, they can also pose significant hazards to people around them. If defective or used recklessly, they can cause terrible accidents, injuries, and deaths.

How Do Dump Truck Accidents Happen?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 405 people were killed and 4,419 were injured in dump truck accidents in a recent year. With their powerful hydraulics, massive metal frames, and various moving parts, even a seemingly minor dump truck accident can result in devastating consequences. Common causes of dump trucks accident include the following:

  • Low Visibility – Reversing dump trucks is harder than reversing smaller trucks or vehicles due to poor visibility and blind spots. The driver can hit bystanders, other objects, or other vehicles around them if they’re not careful.
  • Driver Negligence or Error – Drivers must be properly trained, focused, and adequately experienced to operate dump trucks safely. While untrained drivers can cause dump truck accidents due to driver error, some drivers can cause accidents because of negligent acts, including driving while fatigued, drunk, drugged, or distracted.
  • Uneven Surfaces – Drivers must avoid driving on uneven terrain, ground, or roadways that can shift while unloading or loading cargo from dump trucks. Otherwise, they run the risk of the dump truck tipping over. When this happens, people can be crushed by the truck or get hurt by falling cargo.
  • Overloaded Truck Beds – An overloaded bed can make it more difficult for drivers to stop on time when needed. Habitually overloading the bed also strains the truck components, making it more susceptible to malfunctioning.
  • Flying Debris From Unsecured Loads – Dump trucks transport massive loads to and from construction sites and other places. When loads are not properly secured, debris can fly off and hit people and other vehicles.

Who is Liable in a Dump Truck Accident?

Whether a dump truck accident occurs on a construction site or on the roadway, it can result in severe injuries and related losses to injured victims. Identifying the parties that can be held financially responsible for those losses is a vital part of securing the compensation you need to cover your damages. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the dump truck accident, you can hold one or more of these parties liable for your injuries:

  • The dump truck driver
  • The company that employs the driver
  • The dump truck manufacturer
  • The construction site or property owner
  • Other motorists

Consult With a Skilled Norcross Dump Truck Accident Attorney Now

The Norcross truck accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland can guide you throughout the entire claims process for seeking compensation and ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve. For a free analysis of your case with our Norcross truck accident attorney, please call our office at 770-887-1209 or send us an online message.