Dump Truck Accidents
Chicago Attorneys Advocating for Big Rig Collision Victims
Dump trucks, like other large commercial vehicles, may cause serious harm and property damage in an accident. Drivers are required to follow specific safety guidelines for operating a dump truck because it may be challenging to control the vehicle due to its massive weight. Victims of dump truck accidents may assert their legal right to compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Often, a driver’s negligence causes this type of accident. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our Chicago dump truck accident lawyers have experience investigating, negotiating, and litigating on behalf of people harmed by truck drivers and their employers. We have recovered damages for victims throughout Illinois, and we appreciate the emotional impact that a serious collision may have upon accident victims and their families.
Bringing a Personal Injury Claim Following a Dump Truck Accident
Dump trucks transport materials, often those related to construction, such as sand, gravel, or waste. Due to the fact that dump trucks are built for off-road or construction site driving, they pose unique dangers to standard vehicles that may be involved in a collision. The tank-like design of these vehicles includes bumpers placed high, or in some cases omitted in order to provide more ground clearance. In a crash with another vehicle, the motor section of the dump truck may slide underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the heavy load carried by these vehicles leads to a massive force and momentum that may create a serious impact.
Dump trucks pose a risk of tipping due to the changes in weight and balance, and they may be a threat to other vehicles when backing up. Additionally, the nature of dump truck driving includes stopping and turning, meaning that they fall out of the flow of traffic and may pose a danger to other vehicles on the road. Local government or large construction companies may own dump trucks, but the distinction between public and private entities is less significant than the fact that for victims of dump truck collisions, larger insurance policies may cover vehicle operations.
The first step in a personal injury claim following a dump truck accident is to prove liability with the assistance of a dump truck accident attorney in Chicago. Victims may bring a legal claim against a negligent dump truck driver for causing their injuries. All dump truck drivers must meet their duty of operating their vehicle reasonably, adhering to safety protocols, and avoiding distractions while behind the wheel.
The unique nature of certain dump truck accidents stems from the dumping mechanism attached to the vehicle. This large hydraulic mechanism carries a large amount of force, and it may harm bystanders as well as vehicles within a short range. Dump truck drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times, and they must properly secure cargo in order to avoid causing harm to others. Victims may be able to show a breached duty of care concerning the driver’s proper operation of the dumping mechanism.
After demonstrating the liability of a driver or their employer for an accident, victims must show the full impact of the accident. Documentation concerning medical bills, surgery costs, and missed wages that were not collected due to the accident must be set forth. In some cases, experts may be retained to show the impact of the harm upon an individual’s ability to work. Accident victims may recover compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that they have endured and will continue to endure due to the accident.
Hire a Dump Truck Accident Lawyer in the Chicago Area
At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, we are committed to proving the full impact of injuries following a dump truck crash in order to hold the responsible parties accountable. Our clients receive personal attention and skilled legal advocacy from our Chicago dump truck accident attorneys. We also represent people in Rockford, Aurora, Champaign, Quincy, Springfield, and other communities in Cook, Kane, Winnebago, Sangamon, and Adams Counties. Contact our office for a free consultation with a motor vehicle collision attorney by filling out our online form or calling 312-724-5846.