Were You Hurt in a Dump Truck Accident?
Last updated Monday, September 26th, 2022
Dump Truck Accident Statistics
Any vehicle has the possibility of causing bodily harm to humans. The problems could happen from an accident on the road, job site, or any other area.
Types of Dump Trucks
What makes a tractor-trailer type of vehicle a dump truck? The simple answer is this: All dump trucks have an open-top trailer box behind the cab and have some sort of way to lift the front of the box to be able to empty it out. Many have a hinged back that allows them to open to dump loads. Some do not have a back at all. Different jobs require different types of machinery or tools, and dump trucks are no different.
When you think of a dump truck, you probably have a particular type in your mind. But do you know that there are actually several different styles of dump trucks and each has a specific use? They each also have unique vulnerabilities that can cause an accident of some sort. You may be surprised to know that there are over a dozen different types of dump trucks. Not only are there different types of dump trucks, but there are also many different sizes.
And, to add another layer of confusion, they can also be categorized into two different styles: dump trucks and dump trailers.
Dump Trucks
A dump truck has a trailer that is permanently attached. It is designed so that the cab and collection box portions of the truck are in one piece and cannot be disconnected. Dump trucks can be used to collect waste or organic materials to dispose of later. They can also be used to bring materials to a site.
Types of dump trucks:
- Standard dump truck
- Transfer dump truck
- Super dump truck
- Winter service trucks
- Truck and pup
Dump Trailers
Dump trailers are similar to dump trucks, but have a very important difference – A dump trailer must be connected to a truck cab. Dump trailers cannot operate independently. The advantage of a dump trailer is that it can be unhitched and left at a job site, then reconnected when the time comes to empty the load.
Types of dump trailers:
- End dump truck
- Side dump truck
- Bottom dump truck
- Double belly dump truck
- Triple belly dump truck
- Off-highway dump truck
- Tri-axle dump truck
- Roll-off trucks
- Haul truck
- Articulated hauler
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What are Common Causes of Dump Truck Accidents?
Dump truck accidents do happen, unfortunately. Each case is different, but here are a few examples of different causes that may lead to a dump truck accident:
- Driver error, such as being inattentive, texting, or driving without lowering the skid
- Inexperience on the part of the driver
- Blind spots, especially when reversing
- Overloading and tipping
- Load tipping – often caused by an uneven or unmaintained road
- Loose loads that shift and become unbalanced
- Flyaway debris
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical or safety failures within the truck itself
The most common accidents involving injury result from a dump truck/trailer that is moving. There is a lot of weight in the truck alone, and the contents of the box can carry even more weight than the truck itself.
When a dump truck or trailer collides with a passenger vehicle, the odds are stacked against the passenger vehicle. The weight of an average passenger vehicle weighs in at around 4,000 lbs. The weight of an unloaded dump truck can average over 22,000 lbs. A full dump truck or trailer can carry up to 80,000 lbs. of total weight. Passenger vehicles and dump trucks are vastly different in weight, with the passenger vehicle weight being well behind the weight of a dump truck.
This is where a professional truck accident attorney comes in. Our attorneys have been there, They’ve dealt with this type of legal case. Experience is the most important teacher, and our lawyers have had extensive experience in these types of accidents.
We have free downloadable articles available on our website that contain a wealth of information on legal processes. You can have this information in your hands in minutes. The more informed you are, the easier the process.
What are Common Injuries?
Injuries from an accident involving a dump truck can be anywhere from minimal to fatal. Immediately after an accident, you may not know the extent of your or your passenger’s injuries. Oftentimes these injuries don’t appear until well after the accident, especially when a younger person has been hurt.
Your long-term repercussions are just as important, if not more important, than the injuries that are easy to spot. This is something that our law firm strongly takes into consideration when discussing your lawsuit, and will include in your case.
Here is a list of typical injuries that can happen from a dump truck accident that collides with a privately owned passenger vehicle:
- Death of the driver or passenger
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Broken, fractured, or shattered bones
- Soft tissue or internal injuries
- Soft muscle tissue injuries including muscle injuries such as pulled or torn muscles or ligament damage
- Loss of limb or loss of use of a body part, such as a leg or an eye
- Permanent paralysis, scarring, or disfigurement
- Road rash
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues
Being involved and injured in a dump truck accident can often become serious. As the best law firm for truck accident lawsuits, we’re here to help.
