Dump Truck Accident Lawyer

Dump trucks are used for all sorts of purposes. They may be used to transport coal, wood chips, garbage, construction materials, and much more. Though dump trucks come in all sizes, the common factor is that the back of the truck is frequently open, and can be tipped upward to dump out its contents.

Regardless of what the vehicle is hauling, dump truck accidents often result in severe injuries, serious property damage, and much more. This is because of the sheer weight of the truck. Most dump trucks that you’ll see on the highway and other public roads have three axles (one in front to steer, and two in the back to handle the weight of the road). State laws vary regarding the maximum weight of a truck, but it’s generally around 22,000 pounds per axle. For a 3-axle dump truck, that comes to 66,000 pounds.

With the average car weighing around 3,000 pounds, it’s easy to see how dangerous a dump truck accident can be. Even a side-swipe accident can destroy your car and leave you with life-altering injuries. What’s more, some dump truck drivers may take side roads to avoid weight limits, leaving unexpecting motorists on these roads in danger of being in a major collision.

If you have been injured in a dump truck accident, our attorneys are here to help set things right. At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have over 26 years of experience fighting against trucking companies and their insurers to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Give us a call at 800-559-5741 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a dump truck accident lawyer today.

Dump trucks are often used to carry loose materials like gravel and sand. When these materials shift, they can cause the truck to become unbalanced, and the vehicle might tip over or fish-tail, especially around curves taken at high speeds. In fact, speeding is one of the top causes of dump truck accidents for this very reason.

Another major cause of these collisions is driver fatigue. Drivers may work many long hours, and may, therefore, be sleep-deprived. This is the case especially if they work longer hours than they are legally allowed. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving drunk, which is very problematic for drivers who operate large vehicles like dump trucks.

Driver inexperience can be linked to a large number of dump truck accidents as well. Trucking companies may hire less experienced drivers to save on costs, and because there are generally fewer people interested in these kinds of jobs. Inexperienced drivers are likely to handle dangerous situations poorly, such as driving too fast for road conditions.

With all of these different causes for dump truck accidents, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly who is at fault for the wreck. In general, there are multiple parties who can be held liable. In any accident, one or more of these parties could be involved:

• The driver
• The truck owner
• The trucking company
• The manufacturer of the truck and its parts

An experienced dump truck accident lawyer can identify who should be held liable for your injuries and other damages, and help you get the compensation you deserve.