Houston Dump Truck Accident Attorney
Society relies on dump trucks to transport loose materials. Unfortunately, these large, heavy-duty trucks can be difficult to operate and pose substantial risks to other road users.
If you were involved in a dump truck accident in Houston, the experienced attorneys of The Callahan Law Firm want to help you hold negligent parties accountable and demand compensation for your losses. For more than 25 years, our dedicated and caring legal team has been helping injured accident victims seek the financial recovery they need to pay their medical expenses, cover lost wages, and protect their future.
Let our Houston dump truck accident attorneys handle the details of your case while you focus on your life. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can build a strong case and fight for the results you need.
Common Causes of Dump Truck Crashes
Many dump truck accidents have multiple contributing factors, ranging from driver error to mechanical issues. Some of the most common causes include:
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks – When the loose material in the back of a dump truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can affect the truck’s stability, increasing the likelihood of loss-of-control wrecks. Loose material can also fly off the truck and hit other vehicles or cause a road obstruction, potentially causing an accident.
- Driver distraction – When dump truck drivers focus on text messages, phone calls, food or drink, or any other distractions, they are significantly more likely to overlook changes in traffic or road conditions and contribute to accidents.
- Driver impairment – Dump truck drivers intoxicated by drugs or alcohol may have poor depth perception, delayed reaction time, and other impairments that compromise safe driving abilities and increase the risk of collisions.
- Driver fatigue – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigued dump truck drivers are more likely to nod off at the wheel and cause devastating crashes.
- General driver negligence – Many dump truck accidents are caused by negligent driver behaviors, such as failure to use turn signals, failure to stop at stop signs or red lights, or failure to obey traffic laws.
- Failure to properly inspect or maintain trucks – When drivers, truck owners, or repair shops fail to inspect or maintain dump trucks properly, faulty brakes or other mechanical failures can cause drivers to lose control on the road and crash.
- Defective truck parts – In some cases, dump trucks are involved in accidents because of the failure of defective truck parts such as tires, brakes, or steering systems. When defective truck parts contribute to dump truck accidents, negligent manufacturers may be at fault.
Injuries Caused by Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, so occupants of smaller vehicles often sustain severe injuries in dump truck accidents. Common dump truck accident injuries include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Skull and jaw fractures and dental trauma
- Permanent facial scarring and disfigurement
- Back injuries such as herniated discs
- Neck injuries such as whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries and partial or total paralysis
- Dislocated, broken, or shattered bones
- Limb amputations from crushing or pinning injuries
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Burns from contact with fire, steam, or caustic chemicals
- Friction burns such as “road rash”
- Abdominal injuries caused by being forced against the seat belt or steering wheel
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological injuries
What to Do After a Dump Truck Accident in Houston
In the aftermath of a dump truck accident, it’s common and understandable to feel shocked, overwhelmed, and uncertain. Your priorities should be your health and your legal rights, both of which you can protect by:
- Seeking prompt medical attention to determine the extent of your injuries, receive the treatment you need, and establish an official record of your condition
- Obeying your doctor’s orders by following prescription medication regimens, attending follow-up appointments, and resting as needed
- Gathering evidence such as the dump truck driver’s insurance and employment details, statements from eyewitnesses, photos of the scene, and your written recollections of what happened
- Keeping track of medical bills, repair invoices, and other receipts or paperwork related to the dump truck accident and your losses
- Avoiding making statements to dump truck company representatives, insurance providers, or other attorneys without first consulting a lawyer for advice
- Avoiding social media posts, conversations, or other activity related to the dump truck accident, your health, or your case while your claim is pending
- Consulting a knowledgeable dump truck accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights and your options for financial recovery
Proving Liability for a Dump Truck Collision
Personal injury attorneys may use the following types of evidence to determine and prove liability after a dump truck collision:
- Photographic evidence and video footage from the accident scene
- Police accident report information such as toxicology test results
- Statements from witnesses who saw the dump truck crash
- Testimony from expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists
- Dump truck driver schedules, work hours, and dispatch instructions
- Dump truck driver employment, driving, and training records
- Dump truck company policies, records, and hiring and training practices
- Dump truck inspection, maintenance, and repair service records
Potentially Responsible Parties in a Dump Truck Accident
To recover compensation after a dump truck accident, you can file claims against any parties whose negligence contributed to the wreck. Any of the following parties may be responsible for a dump truck accident:
- The dump truck driver – The driver typically bears at least some portion of the responsibility in a dump truck accident case. A dump truck driver might be at fault if they were distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws at the time of the crash.
- The driver’s employer – A dump truck driver’s employer may be vicariously responsible for an employee driver’s negligence. The employer may be liable in its own right if it knowingly hired an unqualified driver or encouraged the driver to engage in risky driving behaviors.
- Cargo owners and loaders – The company responsible for loading and securing the cargo could be liable if the accident results from an unstable load.
- Truck mechanics – A truck repair shop or mechanic may be liable for a dump truck accident if they failed to inspect the truck for dangerous defects properly or adequately address or repair any defects that contributed to the accident.
- Truck parts manufacturers – If the failure of a defective truck part contributes to a dump truck accident, the part’s manufacturer may bear responsibility. Manufacturers can be held liable if they were negligent in the design, manufacturing, assembly, or distribution process of a defective part.
Contact Our Dump Truck Accident Lawyers for Help Getting Compensation
The Houston personal injury attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm are here to help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve after a dump truck crash that wasn’t your fault. There is no charge to you for your initial consultation or for us to begin work on your case. Contact us today to help you get started.
