Dump Truck Accident Lawyer

For those of us who do not work in construction, dump trucks may not play a large role in our daily lives. But with approximately 28,400 dump truck services across the United States – and the number on the rise – dump trucks can often be found on local roads. While they provide a vital service, dump trucks can cause serious harm. These massive vehicles can carry about 28,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer difference in size and weight highly increases the risk of serious injury or death when colliding with a much smaller vehicle. After a dump truck accident, it is not uncommon for the driver and passengers of the other car to require extensive medical treatment and an extended time off work to recover – potentially leaving them with sizable bills. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dump truck accident, whether on the road or a construction site, the team at Mike Morse Law Firm is here to help. You may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered because of the accident. A free consultation with our firm can help you better understand your legal options – call us today at 855-MIKE-WINS to learn how we can help.

Risk Factors in Dump Truck Accidents

The truth is that every car accident is unique, and a wide range of factors could have contributed to the crash. The dump truck accident lawyers at our firm understand the importance of thoroughly investigating the specific details of each incident in order to build a strong case for our clients. When consulting evidence after an accident, our lawyers are better able to determine what events led up to the crash, and which party or parties should be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.

Driver error

The majority of car accidents are caused by driver error. This is also true for commercial drivers who are often on the road for long hours – it can be easy to get distracted or miss a potential hazard, causing an accident. Some of the most common types of driver errors that lead to car accidents include:

• Failure to yield
• Driving at excessive speed
• Driving while distracted
• Impaired from drugs or alcohol
• Following too closely

If the injuries were serious enough to require compensation from the at-fault party’s liability coverage, accurately determining fault becomes particularly important. The opposing insurance company may try to argue that the victim was to blame for the crash in an effort to deny or devalue the claim.

Blind spots

Even with the use of rearview mirrors, every vehicle has blind spots. Large trucks, though, have larger blind spots than regular cars. As a general rule, large trucks such as dump trucks have four major blind spots:

1. Under the left side mirror
2. Under the right side mirror extending out
3. 30 feet behind the truck
4. 20 feet in front of the truck

When a vehicle is in these blind spots, especially for a long period of time, the driver of the truck may not realize it’s there and could dangerously move into the other lane.

Tip-overs

When a dump truck tips over, this is a major risk not only for the truck driver but also for the other vehicles on the road or workers on a construction site. When a fully loaded box is raised, a dump truck is even more likely to experience a rollover. Other risk factors for a dump truck to tip over include:

• Improperly secured load
• Uneven ground
• High speed
• Tight corners
• Uneven load shifting

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dump truck tip-over accident, call the team at Mike Morse Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights.

Load spill

Dump trucks are often full of thousands of pounds of loose material, such as rocks, sand, or gravel. If a mechanical malfunction or other issue leads to a dump truck dropping its load prematurely, this can lead to disaster. On a construction site where there are workers present in the vicinity, they could be seriously injured by the falling debris. Or, the cargo spilled from the truck can cause a hazard on the road, leading to further accidents and damages.

Dump Truck Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, an agency under the Federal Department of Transportation, classifies a commercial vehicle as a vehicle that is used on an interstate or intrastate highway and:

• Has a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more,
• Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers for a commercial purpose,
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, or;
• Is used to transport hazardous material

Since dump trucks fall under the category of commercial vehicles, there are certain regulations that they must adhere to.

Commercial driver’s license

A Class B Commercial Driver’s License is required to operate a dump truck. In order to qualify, drivers must:

• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Complete an FMCSA-approved driver’s training course
• Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate or hazardous materials)
• Pass all required background checks
• Have no current suspensions, revocations, denials, or cancellations of a license
• Have no DWI conviction within 24 months before the application
• Have no suspension or revocation within 36 months before the application

There are also physical and medical requirements that a driver must meet before receiving a CDL:

• Vision: Must be at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction, to qualify
• Hearing: Should be able to hear a forced whisper from at least 5 feet away in at least one ear to qualify
• Diabetes: Cannot require needle-injected insulin to qualify
• Blood Pressure: Blood pressure over 180/110 disqualifies a driver; blood pressure over 140/90 results in a time-restricted card
• Blood sugar: Must have blood sugar levels above 10 percent to qualify
• Sleep apnea: May result in disqualification; qualification depends on an annual sleep study and release by a physician

Maintenance inspections

The FMCSA has set out a number of rules to establish safety standards for vehicles. Under their regulations, all commercial vehicles must be inspected each year. This annual inspection must examine various parts, including:

• Service brakes
• Parking brakes
• Brake drums or rotors
• Brake hose
• Brake tubing
• Hydraulic brakes
• ABS system
• Safety devices
• Exhaust system
• Fuel system
• Lighting devices
• Steering mechanism
• Suspension
• Tires, wheels, and rims

A dump truck accident lawyer can examine the maintenance records of the truck to determine whether negligence played a role in your accident.

You Can Trust Mike Morse Law Firm After Your Accident

After suffering a serious accident, you need to work with a law firm you can trust. As Michigan’s largest personal injury law firm, we have what it takes to fight for you and your family, giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your case is in good hands. When you work with us, you can be sure that our team will work to maximize your compensation, including:

• Hospital bills
• Rehabilitation services
• Prescription medication
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Replacement services

We understand that this is a stressful and confusing time, especially when you are focusing on your mental, emotional, and physical recovery. That is why we are here to answer any questions you have about the legal options available to you. Contact us 24/7 at 855-MIKE-WINS to schedule a free consultation with our team.