While essential for transporting sand, gravel, dirt, and other materials from suppliers to construction sites and other locations, dump trucks’ massive size and weight often make crashes severe. What seems like a minor miscalculation in judgment or distraction can quickly spiral into a crash with devastating consequences. To avoid preventable accidents, company owners and drivers must adhere to federal and state traffic and safety rules and regulations. However, this does not always happen.
When an accident occurs and results in someone else’s injury, the injured person can seek action. One of our experienced truck accident attorneys could help you collect a settlement for your damages and losses when drivers and companies fail to comply. Call a lawyer skilled with cases resulting from dump truck accidents in Houston if you have questions or need help with a case.
Causes of Dump Truck Crashes
When a dump truck crashes into one or more other vehicles on a Houston highway, it can be devastating. It is important for the person seeking damages in the case to understand the causes of these accidents before preparing an argument with their attorney. Three of the common causes of crashes include:
Cargo Imbalance
Proper cargo loading, including adherence to weight restrictions, is crucial. Vehicles with overweight loads are more challenging to control in speed or turn, which can lead to collisions and damage to roadways and structures.
Improper Loading
Even when the load of materials complies with weight limits, improper loading can be hazardous and cause accidents, including tip-over collisions. These events can happen on unbalanced roadways and terrain or when making sharp turns.
Flying Rocks and Debris
Most dump trucks carry loose construction materials, such as rocks and dirt. Therefore, truckers must ensure they secure the load to prevent it from flying out of the bed, damaging cars behind them, and, in some cases, leading to accidents.
Transporting Loose Materials
The primary purpose of dump trucks is to haul loose materials, such as soil, dirt, sand, gravel, or rocks. Therefore, the driver must secure the load to prevent debris from flying off the bed onto traffic following behind them. While there is no way to prevent the issue entirely, companies and drivers must take precautions by using tarps to secure their materials.
According to the rules under Texas Transportation Code § 725.021, company owners and operators must cover the bed, including the front, rear, and sides, to prevent spillage. They must also ensure there are no holes or other defects in the tarp or other cover, allowing loose matter to escape.
A driver failing to comply with the guidelines may have fines to pay and a misdemeanor offense on their permanent criminal record. A lawyer in Houston could answer questions about the regulations, causes, and process for collecting compensation after dump truck collisions.
Proving Liability to Collect Damages
Dump trucks, their drivers, and the companies employing them must adhere to specific regulations that differ from traffic rules and statutes other motorists must follow. Therefore, understanding the industry is essential for collecting damages from the liable party or parties.
A Houston attorney skilled in handling claims resulting from dump truck wrecks could investigate the events leading to the collision and collect the critical evidence to prove fault. Understanding the industry, they know the guidelines and appropriate parties to contact to request the essential documentation and other evidence for review.
Schedule to Meet with an Attorney About Houston Dump Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large dump trucks pose a significant risk of severe harm for motorists traveling near them. The busy roadways and continued construction projects throughout the city make the traffic events a considerable concern.
A hard-working lawyer skilled in cases from dump truck accidents in Houston could help you through the process and fight for a fair settlement. Call soon to learn more and schedule a consultation.