Concrete truck accidents can be serious and cause significant damage and injury due to the heavy weight and nature of the materials being transported.
These enormous vehicles weigh over 60,000 pounds while transporting cement. The weight of a concrete truck is disproportionately concentrated in the mixing drum; hence these trucks are frequently quite top-heavy. Cement trucks, therefore, have a 10 times higher rollover rate than cars.
Why Concrete Mixer Trucks Are Dangerous
Concrete mixer trucks pose significant risks on the road due to their unique construction and the nature of their cargo. Below are some reasons that contribute to their danger:
- Unstable Load: The rotating drum filled with wet concrete shifts the vehicle’s center of gravity and unevenly distributes weight, greatly increasing the risk of rollovers, even when moving at low speeds. This instability is exacerbated in turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Stopping Difficulties: Owing to their immense weight, often up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, concrete mixer trucks require longer distances than lighter vehicles to come to a complete stop. This can lead to collisions, especially in situations requiring sudden braking.
- Poor Visibility: Concrete mixer trucks’ designs include a large drum that significantly obstructs the driver’s view, particularly to the rear and sides of the vehicle. This limited visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in busy or compact areas.
- Speeding Pressures: Drivers of concrete mixers are frequently under pressure to deliver their cargo before it hardens, compelling them to speed. This rush increases the risk of losing vehicle control and heightens the danger to other road users.
- Equipment Failures: Concrete mixer trucks feature specialized equipment, such as the rotating drum, which can malfunction if improperly maintained. Equipment failures during transit can result in loss of control and subsequent accidents.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Accidents involving concrete mixer trucks often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to their significant mass and complex machinery. Common injuries include crushed limbs, brain trauma, and paralysis, reflecting the devastating impact of such collisions.
These factors make concrete mixer trucks a notable road hazard, necessitating stringent safety measures and careful operation to prevent accidents.
Do They (Cement Trucks) Cause A Lot of Accidents?
Due to their unique design and operational needs, cement trucks are frequently involved in road accidents. Their high center of gravity and shifting wet cement load make them prone to rollovers even at low speeds.
Compounded by the pressure to deliver loads before the cement hardens, drivers often speed, compromising safety. These trucks are challenging to maneuver and control, especially in emergencies. Issues like driver inexperience and poor maintenance exacerbate these risks.
Collisions involving cement trucks often result in severe or fatal injuries, especially when impacting smaller passenger vehicles, underscoring the need for enhanced safety protocols and driver training.
How Many People Are Hurt or Killed in These Accidents?
Accidents involving cement or concrete trucks often have a severe impact, with many injuries and fatalities reported annually.
Due to their massive size and the complex nature of their cargo, these vehicles not only cause frequent crashes but also lead to devastating consequences for those involved.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2017 statistics, concrete trucks are responsible for around 357 deaths yearly. In addition to fatalities, these accidents also result in numerous serious injuries, ranging from fractures and crushing injuries to traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage.
The severity of these injuries can be attributed to the significant force of impacts involving these heavy vehicles, compounded by their propensity to tip over or lose control.
These statistics highlight the critical need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight to protect road users from the high risks associated with cement and concrete trucks.
Have you been in a Concrete Truck Accident?
Coluccio Law is a personal law firm that specializes in helping victims of truck accidents, including concrete truck accidents.
The law firm provides legal assistance to those who have been injured in a concrete truck accident, or to the families of those who have been affected.
Coluccio Law helps clients to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
After a Concrete Truck Accident, who is liable for injuries and other damages?
If you were hurt in an accident involving a cement truck mixer, you might be wondering who is accountable for the losses. Depending on the circumstances, the driver, the truck’s owner firm, and other parties may be held accountable.
Common Causes of Concrete Truck Accidents
Accidents involving concrete trucks can occur for a variety of causes, including:
- Driver Error – this can include speeding, reckless driving, or distractions.
- Vehicle Malfunction – this can include brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues.
- Road Conditions – poor road conditions, such as potholes or wet roads, can contribute to accidents.
- Improper Load Balance – if a concrete truck is not loaded properly, it can become unstable and is more prone to tipping over.
- Overloading – if a concrete truck is carrying too much weight, it can become difficult to control and more prone to accidents.
- Poor Maintenance – if a concrete truck is not properly maintained, it can become unsafe to operate and is more likely to cause an accident.
- Difficult to Break – Cement trucks are large and heavy, with limited agility and blind spots. All these characteristics make it difficult to halt cement trucks, both empty and loaded.
- Pressure to Unload the Cement – There is a lot of pressure on cement truck drivers to complete deliveries on schedule without the cement drying out in the truck, especially those who are paid by the load.
Injuries Caused by Concrete Truck Accidents
Concrete truck accidents can cause a range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Some common injuries are:
- Head and Neck Injuries – such as concussions, skull fractions, and spinal cord injuries
- Broken Bones – including fractures in the limbs, ribs, and spine.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – such as cuts, bruises, and sprains
- Internal Injuries – including damages to the organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
- Burn Injuries – from the hot concrete or other burning materials involved in the accident.
- Amputations – if a limb is crushed or severely injured in the accident, it may need to be amputated.
In addition to physical injuries, concrete truck accidents can also result in emotional trauma, financial hardship, and other non-physical damages.
Related Article: Preserving Evidence in Trucking Accidents
What to Do After a Concrete Truck Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a concrete truck, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Make a 911 call right away if you or someone else is hurt so that you can get help.
- Report the Accident – Call the police and report the accident to them. Give them any details they might require, including the scene of the collision, the number of vehicles involved, and the identities of any witnesses.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the incident, the car involved, and any injuries received if feasible. Make a list of any witnesses names and contact information.
- Contact your Insurance Company – As soon as you can after the accident, notify your insurance provider. Don’t make any statements that could be used against you, but provide them with any information they could require.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in navigating the legal system and pursuing compensation for your losses.
- Keep a Record – Keep a record of any costs associated with the accident, such as doctor bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
After a concrete truck accident, it’s critical to move immediately to safeguard your rights and make sure you get the compensation you are due.
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Compensation for Cement Truck Injuries/Pursuing Compensation After a Cement Truck Accident
- Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize seeking medical help immediately after the accident. This ensures your injuries are properly documented, which is crucial for any personal injury claim. Immediate medical records serve as key evidence of the impact of the accident.
- Report the Accident: Notify the police and ensure an accident report is filed. This official report will provide an authoritative description of the incident, detailing the scene and noting any infractions by the cement truck driver.
- Document Everything: Collect as much information as possible from the accident scene. This includes photos of the accident site, the vehicle, any visible injuries, and contact information from witnesses. This documentation will support your claim by providing concrete evidence of the circumstances and aftermath.
- Contact an Attorney: Engage a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complex legal processes and advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Notification of Insurance Companies: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but refrain from discussing fault or detailed circumstances without consulting your attorney. Your lawyer should handle communications with the truck driver’s insurance company to avoid any statements that could undermine your claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, lost wages, and any other costs related to the accident. These documents are essential for demonstrating the financial impact of the accident on your life.
- Evaluate Damages: Work with your attorney to thoroughly assess the full extent of your damages. This includes immediate medical costs, ongoing rehabilitation expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future financial impacts of the accident.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Your attorney will likely negotiate with the insurance company or responsible party to reach a settlement that covers all your costs and damages. Your lawyer may recommend a trial if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will present the gathered evidence to argue your case before a judge or jury. The goal will be to secure a favorable judgment that adequately compensates for your injuries and losses.
By following these steps, you can methodically pursue the compensation you deserve after being injured in a cement truck accident. Each step is crucial for building a strong case and ensuring you receive financial support for your recovery.
How Much Is a Concrete Truck Accident Claim Worth
Several criteria, including the severity of the injury, property damage, lost income, medical expenditures, and related insurance coverage determine a concrete truck accident’s value. Because each case is unique and must be considered on its own merits, there is no predetermined value for a concrete truck accident claim. An expert personal injury lawyer can assist you in determining the possible value of your claim and getting reasonable compensation for your losses.
Conclusions
If you have been involved in a concrete truck accident, it’s important to take prompt action to protect your rights and interest.
At Coluccio Law, we assist our clients with navigating the complex legal process and ensure that their rights are protected. Contact us today!
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