Dump trucks are necessary and useful vehicles in many situations. However, just like any other vehicle or large piece of machinery, special care and caution should be used during their operation. Unfortunately, accidents involving dump trucks still happen, often leading to serious and even fatal injuries.
If you were injured in a collision involving a dump truck, a reliable West Palm Beach dump truck accident lawyer can help identify the negligent parties involved and recover compensation from them proportional to your injuries and losses. Contacting a persistent attorney could be an important first step towards seeking justice.
The Genesis of Dump Truck Accidents
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that during a 15-year period, over 800 construction workers were fatally injured in collisions that involved dump trucks. Furthermore, nearly half of those fatalities were workers who were positioned outside of a vehicle.
Due to their bulk and weight, dump trucks can be challenging to drive and have the potential to cause significant damage when a collision occurs. Accordingly, drivers and operators of dump trucks must prove they have the knowledge and skills to safely operate such a large and complex vehicle, and they require special training and licensing before they can do so legally.
Potential Causes
Dump truck accidents can be caused by several different factors, including but not limited to:
- The truck’s height, which can impede the dump truck driver’s visibility of other vehicles and pedestrians around them and create blind spots to the sides and rear of dump trucks
- A high center of gravity, which—depending on the load they are carrying—makes dump trucks more likely to become unbalanced and tip over
- The potential for falling debris or premature or unintentional unloading to cause damage to people and vehicles behind a dump truck
Pure Comparative Negligence
Usually, motor vehicle accidents happen due to the actions of more than one party. According to Florida Statutes §768.81, juries in Florida are required to use pure comparative negligence when awarding monetary compensation to the victim.
This means that a jury can assign a percentage of fault to both the defendant and the plaintiff in a dump truck accident lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of the incident. The award that the plaintiff receives could, therefore, be reduced by their percentage of fault. A West Palm Beach dump truck accident lawyer could help individuals understand this concept and how it may affect the outcome of their case.
How a West Palm Beach Dump Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
After a vehicle accident, there are many issues and concerns that victims have to deal with, such as filing police reports, seeking medical care, and finding new transportation. However, one of the best steps you can take after an incident involving a dump truck is to contact an experienced West Palm Beach dump truck accident lawyer.
Seasoned attorneys understand that this is a difficult time in your life and could make it their goal to help relieve some of your stress by seeking fair compensation for your damages on your behalf. For help after a dump truck collision, schedule a consultation today.
Speak to a member of our team today.