Cement Truck Accidents

Cement Truck Accident Attorneys in Washington, DC

Also called concrete mixer trucks, cement trucks are heavy-duty industrial vehicles designed to deliver mixed cement to construction sites quickly. In most cases, the cement must be delivered within 90 minutes of the truck being loaded to prevent it from hardening.

If you have questions about your rights after a cement truck accident, contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today. Our team has years of experience representing truck accident victims, and we know what to do to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Makes Cement Trucks Dangerous?

Unlike passenger vehicles, cement trucks have a very high center of gravity and often weigh anywhere between 25 to 60 tons. Unfortunately, these trucks can cause serious injuries and fatal truck accidents if even the slightest negligence or mishap occurs. In a motor vehicle collision, the liquid cement can also pour out onto the highway and cause other vehicles to crash.

Cement mixer trucks are not like other large commercial vehicles. If a cement truck makes a 90-degree turn, it can flip over at as little as 5 miles per hour. When you consider that cement truck drivers are often under pressure to make the 90-minute delivery window, this fact becomes especially unsettling.

Special Training Required for Concrete Mixer Trucks

Cement truck drivers must receive special training to safely and efficiently operate these complex vehicles. The law requires drivers to obtain a class A commercial license to operate any truck that weighs over 26,000 pounds.

To receive this license, truckers must pass several tests, including:

• Combinations vehicle test
• General knowledge test
• CDL road test
• Air brakes
• Pre-trip
• Basic skills

If a cement mixer truck driver is not adequately trained, or if they disobey any of the rules and regulations set up to keep concrete mixer trucks safe on the road, the odds of an accident occurring are even greater.

Common Causes of Cement Truck Accidents

Cement trucks are involved in several accidents each year. Many are caused by driver error. Some of the most common causes of cement truck accidents include:

• Speeding: Cement trucks are large and heavy vehicles, and they take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. Speeding is one of the leading causes of cement truck accidents.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a danger for all drivers, but it can be especially dangerous for those behind the wheel of a large vehicle like a cement truck. Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or even just not paying attention to the road can cause serious accidents.
• Reckless driving: Cement trucks are not meant to be driven recklessly. Unfortunately, some drivers treat them like any other vehicle on the road, weave in and out of traffic, make sudden lane changes, or engage in other dangerous behaviors.
• Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea, but it is especially dangerous when driving a large vehicle like a cement truck. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents.

Types of Cement Truck Accidents

Cement truck accidents can take many different forms, but some of the most common types of accidents include:

• Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents are one of the most common cement truck accidents. Cement trucks are top-heavy and can easily roll over if they take a turn too sharply or hit a bump in the road.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are another common type of cement truck accident. These accidents often occur when a cement truck tries to pass another vehicle and ends up in oncoming traffic.
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions involving cement trucks often occur when the truck is trying to stop suddenly or when the driver is not paying attention to the road.
• Side-swipe accidents: Side-swipe accidents involving cement trucks often occur when the truck tries to pass another vehicle. These accidents can be especially dangerous because they can cause the truck to lose control and rollover.

Who Is Liable for Cement Truck Accidents?

Liable parties in a cement mixer truck accident may include:

• The cement truck driver – If the truck driver acted negligently by speeding, driving recklessly, or fatigued, they might be liable for the accident.
• The construction company – If there is a construction company involved in the loading or transport of the cement, they may be liable.
• The trucking company – If the company did not properly maintain the truck or train the driver adequately, they might be liable.

Cement truck accidents are complex, so it is good to have a lawyer on your side before settling with an insurance company.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys

Our Washington D.C. truck accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.have been representing victims of serious truck accidents for decades. We understand the trucking industry and know exactly what to expect from the lawyers and insurance companies they use to protect their interests.If you or a loved one has been injured in a cement truck accident, please contact us today to set up a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers in Washington, DC. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed.