Experienced Dump Truck Accident Attorneys in California You Can Trust
Dump truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. From a truck accidentally backing into your car to a truck hitting you in an intersection, any vehicular accident involving a dump truck or garbage truck is considered a dump truck accident.
If you need a Los Angeles dump truck accident attorney, you’ve come to the right place. Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to take on your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Dump Trucks
A dump truck is any heavy equipment vehicle that has a hydraulic machine to lift the bed of the truck and “dump” out the contents. Common types of dump trucks include:
- Standard Dump Trucks
- Side Dump Trucks
- Semi Trailer End Dump Trucks
- Transfer Dump Trucks
- Roll-Off Trucks
- Off Road Dump Trucks
- Haul Trucks
Types of Accidents Involving Dump and Garbage Trucks
- Wide-Turn Accidents: Dump trucks make wide turns due to their size. When turning in tight spaces, such as intersections, it could lead to a collision.
- Rollover Accidents: Strong winds or sharp turns could cause a dump truck to tip over, leading to a roadblock or collision.
- Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits another from behind. Due to their immense size and weight, rear-end collisions involving a dump truck can lead to serious injuries.
- Blindspot Accidents: Dump trucks have a ton of blind spots where the driver cannot see obstacles such as other cars. A car hiding in one of these blind spots can get hit by the truck, leading to a dump truck accident.
- Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a driver collides with a dump truck and slides underneath the bed of the truck. These accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Dump Truck Accidents?
- Driver Negligence: Driving while on the phone, not abiding by driving laws, and reckless driving can all lead to a dump truck accident. Driving tired or intoxicated also impairs driving abilities, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Unsafe Driving Conditions: Roads need to be properly maintained to keep all drivers safe. Potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, and unclear road markings can cause a dump truck accident.
- Defective Equipment: Dump trucks consist of numerous parts that all work together to safely transfer large cargo loads. If any of these parts are damaged or defective, it can lead to catastrophic failures and potential vehicular accidents.
Types of Injuries in Dump Truck Crashes
Common injuries in commercial truck accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Lacerations
- Internal Bleeding
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How a Los Angeles Dump Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve found yourself in a dump truck wreck in California, you need professional help from a personal injury lawyer like Compass Law Group, LLP. We know the legal system like the back of our hand, and we’ll get you the compensation you deserve. Our team will help with:
- Investigating the Accident
- Negotiating/Communicating with the Other Parties
- Offering Legal Guidance Throughout the Case
- If Needed, We’ll Stand With You In Court
Who May Be Held Liable for a Dump Truck Accident?
Liability for a dump truck accident can fall on several different parties. This can range from the drivers themselves to the local city officials. The following parties could be found liable for a dump truck accident:
- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking Company
- The Trucking Company’s Maintenance Provider
- The Truck Manufacturer
- The Cargo Loaders
- Any Other Driver Involved in the Accident
Types of Compensation for Dump Truck Accident Injuries
Compensation for a dump truck accident goes beyond the damage that was done to your car. The types of compensation can be broken down into 2 categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to financial losses, while non-economic damages refer to other losses that cannot be financially measured.
Economic Damages:
- Loss of Income
- Medical Bills
- Rehabilitation
- Long-Term Medical Care
- Long-Term Medical Supplies
- Property Damages
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of a Loved One
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Emotional Distress
Negligence: A Real Problem Among Dump Truck Drivers
The causes of a dump truck accident have a common theme: negligence. Negligence refers to when a company has a duty of care to keep people safe and they intentionally don’t uphold that duty. Whether it’s the driver not paying attention to the road or the loaders not loading the cargo properly, one person’s negligence can lead to a serious accident and long-term repercussions.
Dump Truck Wrecks and Insurance Companies
Due to the sheer size of dump trucks, these accidents often lead to severe injuries and high compensation payouts. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they don’t want to pay these large sums of money for your injuries. They aren’t on your side.
Compass Law Group, LLP is on your side. We know all the tricks insurance companies will try to use to avoid paying your compensation, and we’re ready to fight every one. Our team will stand with you and demand the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Statute of Limitation
The statute of limitations is essentially a time limit in which you have to file your case. In California, you need to file your claim within 2 years of the date of the accident. If you try to file a personal injury case after 2 years, the judge will dismiss your case, and you won’t receive compensation.
Dump Truck Accident Claim Process
- File and Serve a Complaint
- The Defendant Answers the Complaint
- Exchange Information in a Pre-Trial Discovery Phase
- Create Written Questions/Interrogatories
- Create Official Documentation
- Perform In-Person Interviews/Depositions
- Hire Professional Witnesses
- Begin Pre-Trial Motions
- Work Through Mediation/Negotiations
- If an Agreement Isn’t Met, then Move to a Trial
- Receive the Verdict and Appeal if Necessary
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Dump or Garbage Truck Accident?
Dump truck accident injuries can leave you with chronic pain and long-lasting repercussions. Medical bills can quickly pile up, and the trauma can impact your overall quality of life. In these moments, you need people in your corner who will fight alongside you.
Compass Law Group, LLP is your team of personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles. We’re ready to point you in the right direction and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us for our services unless we win your case.
