Truck accidents are often more devastating than accidents between two cars. This is because trucks can be 10 or more times heavier than the average car on the road.
Construction trucks pose a particular danger to passengers of other vehicles in the event of an accident. Cement trucks are no exception. Unfortunately, those who are involved in an accident with a cement truck often face debilitating injuries and lifelong disability.
At Bowles & Verna LLP, our attorneys are experienced in representing clients injured in car accidents with cement trucks in the Walnut Creek, CA area. If you have been injured in a car accident and would like help seeking compensation for your injuries, we invite you contact our law firm to learn more about your legal options.
Accidents with Cement Trucks Present Unique Dangers
Like most construction vehicles, cement trucks are large, often larger than other vehicles on the road, and present unique dangers when an accident occurs. Accidents can be severe due to the large size of cement trucks as well as the heavy load these trucks often carry.
When loaded with cement and materials needed for cement mixing, including sand, gravel, and water, a cement truck can weigh about 33 tons. For comparison, the average sedan weighs about 1.5 tons and an average passenger truck weighs about 3 tons.
Unfortunately, the sheer size of a cement truck means passengers of smaller cars often suffer serious injuries. As a result, passengers of cars are more likely to suffer serious injuries or fatalities when involved in an accident with a cement truck.
Causes of Cement Truck Accidents
Cement truck accidents can occur for a number of reasons. Poor road conditions, like wet roads, can cause motorists, including cement truck drivers, to have difficulty safely driving. In other situations, an accident may be caused by driver negligence or error.
When a cement driver acts negligently, it can lead to devastating injuries or even death. Some possible causes of cement truck accidents include:
- Texting, looking at directions on GPS, or other distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
- Driving while under the influence
- Disobeying traffic signals and other traffic laws
- Carrying oversized loads
- Overturned cement truck
- Spillage of an improperly loaded cement truck
Recovering Damages in Cement Truck Accidents
Being involved in a car accident with a cement truck can lead to devastating, life changing injuries. For some people, this may mean permanent disability and a lifetime of challenges they would not have faced had it not been for their accident.
When a cement truck accident is caused by the negligence of a cement truck driver, the negligent driver and sometimes his employer may be held liable for resulting injuries and damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help get victims the compensation they deserve for their injuries and suffering.
A personal injury attorney can help victims of car accidents with cement trucks recover damages such as:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays, medical equipment, and physical therapy
- Lost wages from time off needed to recover
- Future lost wages when a victim is unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Payment for replacing or repairing a damaged vehicle
Contact the Car Accident Attorneys of Bowles & Verna, LLP
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it’s important to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side. You are encouraged to contact the attorneys of Bowles & Verna, LLP in Walnut Creek to discuss the details of your case and learn more about your legal options. To schedule a private consultation, please call (925) 935-3300 at your earliest convenience.