If you were injured in a dump truck accident in Morristown, Tennessee, and someone else was to blame, The Terry Law Firm wants to help you seek the accountability and financial security you deserve. For more than 50 years, our personal injury attorneys have been helping people in Morristown who were injured in accidents that weren’t their fault. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional pain you are experiencing. We are ready to fight to secure the resources you need to care for yourself and your family.

Contact The Terry Law Firm today to speak with one of our Tennessee dump truck accident lawyers about your case. Consultations are free, and we only charge a fee if we win compensation.

What Makes Dump Truck Accident Cases Different?

Dump truck accident cases are different from car accident cases because they typically involve:

  • More potentially liable parties – Dump truck accidents often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, such as the truck driver, dump truck owner, construction company leasing the dump truck, maintenance company, and cargo loader. More potentially liable parties make it more challenging to determine which entity is responsible for causing the accident.
  • More severe injuries – Dump trucks are massive, with many moving components and heavy cargo. They can inflict severe injuries in a collision with a much smaller passenger car.
  • More complicated vehicles – Dump trucks are not easy to drive. Drivers often need special skills and training to operate these vehicles safely, which inexperienced operators may not have.
  • More regulations for drivers – Commercial truck drivers are subject to numerous state and federal regulations. Failure to comply with these rules could cause an accident and make the driver or other party liable for resulting injuries.

Common Types and Causes of Dump Truck Accidents

Common types of dump truck accidents in Morristown include the following:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Rollover accidents
  • Blind spot accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Cargo spill accidents
  • Lift malfunction accidents

Negligence is often the cause of dump truck accidents, whether it is negligence on the part of a driver, construction site owner, maintenance company, cargo loader, or another responsible party. Some of the most common causes of dump truck accidents include:

  • Unqualified or inexperienced drivers – Driving a dump truck requires specialized training. Drivers must understand their blind spots, turning radius, and safe backup methods. Unqualified or inexperienced drivers frequently cause accidents on public roads or construction sites.
  • Lack of safety protocols on construction sites – Construction sites are dangerous workplaces. Owners, supervisors, and workers must always adhere to safety protocols to avoid accidents. A construction site that lacks safety protocols could create an environment that results in a dump truck accident. For example, accidents can easily occur if a construction site does not cordon off the area around an unloading dump truck.
  • Uneven roads or surfaces – A tip-over accident could occur if a dump truck unloads its cargo on an uneven surface.
  • Lifted dump box – When a dump truck’s box is lifted, the driver’s rear view is obscured. Furthermore, a lifted dump box makes the truck unstable. If a driver fails to lower the dump box before moving, they could cause an accident.

Injuries from Dump Truck Accidents in Morristown

Some of the most common injuries that result from dump truck accidents include:

  • Broken bones
  • Crushed or severed limbs or body parts
  • Internal organ damage
  • Back injuries
  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Burns
  • Joint damage

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dump Truck Accident?

Dump truck accidents often involve multiple parties because of the complexity of their business operations. If an accident occurs involving that dump truck, potentially liable parties include:

  • Dump truck driver – If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could be liable for your injuries. Examples of dump truck driver negligence include distracted driving, drunk driving, and failing to yield or check blind spots.
  • Dump truck owner – Often, the dump truck is owned by a separate company that leases it for specific projects. If the owner fails to properly maintain the truck, they may be liable if a malfunction causes an accident.
  • Construction company – Construction companies frequently lease dump trucks for specific jobs, such as delivering materials to the construction site. If the construction company fails to provide a safe working environment for the dump truck delivery, the company could be liable if an accident occurs.
  • Cargo company – The company that loads the cargo into the dump truck could be liable if unsecured or overloaded cargo causes an accident.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Dump Truck Accidents

With the assistance of a skilled dump truck accident lawyer, victims may be able to recover compensation for the following accident-related losses:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages from time missed at work due to injuries
  • Diminished future earning capacity if injuries result in permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Diminished quality of life

What to Do After a Dump Truck Accident

If you were injured in a dump truck accident, here are some steps you can take to protect your health and your future:

  • Get medical attention immediately. Dump truck accidents inflict devastating injuries, but not all injuries are apparent at the outset. Sometimes it can take several hours or even days for the full extent of your injuries to become evident. That’s why you must get medical attention immediately after the accident.
  • Gather evidence at the accident scene. Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including photos, videos, and contact information for eyewitnesses.
  • Retain all accident-related records. Evidence is key to proving negligence in a dump truck accident. Retain any accident-related documentation, including medical and business documents and correspondence from involved entities and their insurance companies.
  • Consult an attorney before talking to an insurance company. Each potentially liable entity in a dump truck accident will likely have its own insurance company. You may get a call from these insurance companies, purporting to check on your condition. Do not speak with them until you have consulted an attorney. Insurance companies will try to blame anyone other than their policyholder for the accident, including you, and will use anything you say as evidence against you.

Contact Our Morristown Dump Truck Accident Lawyers for Help

If you were hurt in a dump truck accident that someone else caused, The Terry Law Firm is ready to help you hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries and accident-related losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dump truck accident attorney in Morristown, TN.