Each year in the United States, there are upward of 500,000 truck accidents, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, the country sustains approximately 5,000 truck crash fatalities annually. These statistics point to the serious dangers involved in truck travel throughout the country. Commercial trucks in the U.S. can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, creating a potential hazard when any type of collision occurs. As such, all Connecticut drivers must be sure to drive safely at all times, especially when in close proximity to a large truck.
Contrary to popular belief, a dump truck accident is not uncommon in the United States. Even worse, collisions involving dump trucks are typically amongst the most dangerous of all truck accidents, accounting for the most severe injuries and property damages. A dump truck accident has the capacity to cause severe, if not life-threatening, injuries to the accident victims involved. Due to the enormous size and weight, as well as the large and unique structure of a dump truck, there are many factors that contribute to these crashes that are particular to this type of vehicle.
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has spent years providing professional legal representation to accident victims throughout the state of Connecticut. With our main offices located in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford, we are able to provide our clients with the most convenient legal advice and guidance. We believe that when the negligence of another motorist causes injury or harm to you and your family members, this at-fault party must be held liable for the damages in which they cause. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dump truck accident in Connecticut, our lawyers are here to help.
To get started today, please complete a Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
Causes Of A Dump Truck Accident
Dump trucks are most often used to carry loose material in and around construction sites across the state of Connecticut. Using a hydraulic open-box mechanism (which is standard in the majority of dump trucks) the back of the truck is placed on a hinge. The truck’s hinge allows for the front of the box to lift and dump whatever is inside of the open-box onto the ground behind the vehicle. Construction sites most often use this function in order to transport and dump heavy concrete and other types of building materials that are required to be moved from one site to another.
Unfortunately, any type of collision with these large, heavy vehicles is incredibly hazardous for all parties involved, particularly for those inside of the passenger car. With minimal protection, those in the smaller vehicle are subject to some of the most debilitating, often life-threatening, injuries. The driver of the dump truck is sitting at a much greater height than that of the passenger vehicle; they are therefore protected in the event of a crash. The following are the most common causes of a dump truck accident:
- Back-Up: The operator of a dump truck is greatly limited in terms of their ability to see clearly, especially when backing up. These serious visual limitations make seeing an oncoming vehicle incredibly difficult for the driver. Even those vehicles that are parked may be at risk if behind a dump truck.
- Tipping: Dump trucks are often large, heavy and unbalanced; these features make the vehicle very susceptible for tip-overs due to the materials being transported inside of the open-box container.
Dump trucks often weigh up to 65,000 pounds when fully loaded. A 5-axle dump truck is huge and can cause a great amount of damage in the event of a collision. Not only are these vehicles very large, but they are also typically carrying hazardous materials, making a potential crash even more dangerous. As such, all Connecticut drivers are encouraged to exercise extreme caution while traveling in close proximity to these dump trucks.
The most common outcome of a crash between a dump truck and a passenger vehicle results in the passenger car sliding under the truck. When this occurs, the passenger occupants are placed in serious danger of suffering catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has survived a dump truck accident, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is here for you.
Free Consultations About Dump Truck Accidents
Have you been injured as a result of a dump truck accident? Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is here to help guide accident victims toward a path to compensation. We understand that no monetary value will take away permanent injuries; however, holding the at-fault driver responsible for the damages that they cause will help make the accident victims life as easy as possible.
We believe that when the negligence of another causes a serious collision, the victims involved deserve to be properly compensated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, you may be entitled to recompense for your losses. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today or call our toll-free number, 800-PERKINS, to learn more.