Cement Truck Accident

Cement trucks are slow, lumbering vehicles, especially when they’re full. An accident involving one likely causes a lot of damage due to its size and weight. If you’re caught in a cement truck accident in New Jersey, first get the medical attention you need and then get in touch with an experienced, knowledgeable trucking accident attorney. The lawyers at RAM Law understand what to do to protect your rights and win you fair compensation for all your injuries and damages. Call them as soon after your accident as possible.

How Common Are Cement Truck Accidents?

According to a report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 224 cement mixer truck crashes in 2018, the latest year for which numbers exist. Out of these, 77 resulted in injuries and three resulted in fatalities. These figures only represent reported accidents, so the actual number of accidents may be slightly higher.

Additionally, the severity of cement truck accidents can vary widely, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions. These vehicles generally drive slowly because they’re so heavy when full of cement. Overall, cement truck accidents are relatively rare compared to other types of truck accidents. These accidents occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Driver error
• Mechanical failure
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions

If you’ve been in a cement truck accident in New Jersey, your safest course of action is to get medical attention first. Then, contact an experienced trucking accident attorney like those at RAM Law. They help you get through the process of filing a claim and lawsuit for a settlement, if that’s what you need.

What Are Contributing Factors to Cement Truck Accidents?

Cement trucks, also known as concrete mixer trucks, play a vital role in the construction industry by transporting and delivering ready-mix concrete to various sites. While these vehicles perform a valuable function, they also pose risks on the road. Several factors contribute to cement truck accidents, including:

• Driver error. Cement truck drivers may cause accidents due to distracted driving, fatigue or errors in judgment, such as speeding or failure to yield to other vehicles. Practice safe driving habits around these vehicles and give them a wide berth.
• Mechanical failure. Cement trucks are constantly under tremendous strain, since they carry enormously heavy loads. A malfunction or failure of any critical parts may cause an accident. For example, brake failure, tire blowouts or steering system malfunctions may lead to on-the-road accidents.
• Road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, can be particularly hazardous for cement trucks, which have a high center of gravity and can be difficult to control.
• Bad weather conditions. Adverse weather, such as heavy rain, snow or ice make it more difficult for cement truck drivers to control their vehicles, which increases the risk of a cement truck accident.
• Improper loading. Overloading or improperly loading a cement truck can affect its stability, increasing the risk of rollovers and other types of accidents.
• Other drivers. Other drivers on the road also contribute to cement truck accidents by driving recklessly, cutting off the cement truck or failing to yield the right of way.

While drivers of cement trucks and other vehicles are usually aware of these factors and take appropriate precautions, sometimes even the best driver can’t avoid all the risks. Still, cement truck drivers need to do everything in their power to avoid a deadly accident, including regular vehicle maintenance, safe driving practices and staying alert and focused while on the road.

What Steps Should I Take if I’ve Been Involved in a Cement Truck Accident?

Being involved in an accident with a cement truck is a jarring and potentially dangerous experience. These large, heavy vehicles require special attention and caution on the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should know the appropriate steps to take to protect your safety and your rights, but in the present moment and for future compensation decisions. The recommended steps to follow include:

1. Check for injuries. The first step is to check for any injuries, both for yourself and any passengers in your vehicle. If you find any serious injuries, call emergency medical services immediately.
2. Move to a safe location. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road or another safe location to avoid any further accidents or hazards. If it’s not safe to move your vehicle, turn on the emergency flashers and exit the vehicle to safety.
3. Call the police. Report the accident to the police as soon as it’s safe to do so, even if it’s a minor cement truck accident. The police document the incident and create an official report, which you’ll need later for insurance and legal purposes.
4. Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, get checked out by a medical professional. Don’t refuse any treatment, since some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
5. Exchange information. Obtain the cement truck driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, employer and insurance information. Provide the driver with your own information, but limit your conversation and never admit to any wrongdoing.
6. Document the scene. If possible, take photos or video of the accident scene, including the road, any injuries and the damage to your vehicle and the cement truck. Gathering this evidence at the time of the accident may help your case for compensation.
7. Notify your insurance company. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and provide any relevant information.
8. Consider seeking legal representation. If you’ve been injured or incurred significant damage to your vehicle, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation.

Accidents involving cement trucks are more complex than an accident between two automobiles. The steps you take immediately following the cement truck accident may have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages. By following these steps, you can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

Is Filing a Claim against a Cement Truck Different from Filing a Regular Claim?

Filing a claim against a cement truck company differs from filing a claim against another company in several ways. That’s just one of the reasons to consult with an experienced cement truck accident attorney like those at RAM Law. Some key differences when filing your truck accident claim involve:

• Regulations and standards. Cement truck companies are subject to specific regulations and standards related to the operation, maintenance and safety of their vehicles. These regulations affect the liability of the company and the evidence needed to support a claim.
• Liability considerations. Cement truck accidents may involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company and other contractors in the construction project. Identifying who’s liable for the accident and pursuing the appropriate parties is more complex than in other types of accidents, which is why you need an experienced attorney.
• Insurance coverage. Cement truck companies have different types of insurance coverage, such as commercial auto insurance or general liability insurance, which affects the amount and type of compensation available.
• Legal representation. Due to the complexity of cement truck accidents, it’s often necessary to seek legal representation with experience handling these types of claims. Attorneys with knowledge in cement trucking accidents navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights and interests.

In general, filing a claim against a cement truck company requires specialized knowledge and experience , when compared to other types of accident claims. Work with an experienced legal professional from RAM Law to ensure that all the relevant evidence and regulations are in place to achieve the best possible outcome. The compensation you receive for any injuries or damage sustained in a cement truck accident depends on several factors, including the:

• Severity and nature of your injuries
• Circumstances surrounding the accident
• Liability of the parties involved

Keep in mind that a statute of limitations is in place within New Jersey, and so two years from the date of the accident is your deadline for filing a claim. Choose an experienced attorney who knows all the state’s rules and regulations regarding accidents with cement trucks. If you wait too long to file, your claim will be refused.

How Is Liability Determined in a Cement Truck Accident?

Liability in a cement truck accident depends on several factors. Determining liability is too difficult a task for any one individual. When you hire an experienced cement truck accident lawyer from RAM Law, they have the resources to investigate the cause of the accident and the behavior of the parties involved. Some common causes and related liability include:

• Drive negligence. If the cement truck driver acted without regard to your safety and caused the accident, that driver becomes liable for that negligence. Examples of driver negligence include actions such as speeding, failing to signal or running a red light or stop sign.
• Trucking company negligence. If the trucking company took deliberate shortcuts that later caused the accident, the company is negligent and liable. Examples of trucking company negligence include failing to properly maintain the vehicle or train its drivers. The company may be liable if they violated any laws or regulations related to the operation of commercial vehicles.
• Vehicle defects. If a defect in the cement truck or its components, such as the axles or steering system, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle or parts may be held liable.
• Government liability. In some cases, a government agency may be held liable if the accident was caused by unsafe road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage.
• Comparative negligence. Liability may be divided among multiple parties based on their respective degree of fault. For example, if the cement truck driver was partially at fault but the other driver also acted negligently, each party may be assigned a percentage of fault and be held responsible for their share of the damages.

Determining liability in a cement truck accident is often complex, requiring a thorough investigation, witness testimony and analysis. Work with an experienced attorney who protects your rights, fights for your just compensation and navigates the legal process for you.

How Can I Win a Fair Settlement after a Cement Truck Accident?

Cement truck accidents can cause serious injuries and property damage, so take the right steps if you’re involved in one to get just compensation for all your losses. The process for filing a claim and pursuing compensation requires an experienced trucking accident lawyer. Proving liability in cement truck accidents is complex, requiring a thorough investigation and analysis of the facts and circumstances of the accident.

Complex Truck Accidents Require Representation – Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Today

Accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, staggering medical expenses, and life-altering disabilities or death. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer with exceptional experience. Call Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.