From Impact to Recovery: Our Michigan Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help After Your Dump Truck Crash
Dump truck accidents on Michigan roads can have devastating consequences. Dump trucks are vital to our state's infrastructure and construction projects but pose unique dangers to other motorists. Their sheer size and weight, combined with potential visibility issues and cargo-related risks, can cause catastrophic accidents.
After a dump truck accident, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages, and the aggravation of dealing with insurance companies. Understanding the causes, potential injuries, and your legal rights is crucial to protecting your future and securing the compensation you deserve.
At Keller & Keller, our Michigan truck accident lawyers use our experience and knowledge from similar cases to fight for the compensation you deserve. While past results do not guarantee an outcome in your case, you can learn more about how we helped one of our Michigan clients hurt in a dump truck accident get a $2 million settlement and how we may be able to help you.
Common Causes of Michigan Dump Truck Accidents
Determining the cause of your dump truck accident is essential to your legal recovery. Your Michigan truck accident lawyer will investigate the cause of your crash and consider all possibilities, including:
Tipping Risks
Dump trucks have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, creating a potential tipping risk. The tipping risk is even higher if cargo or material has been improperly loaded, the vehicle has been overloaded, or the truck encounters uneven roadways or poor road conditions.
Visibility Issues
The design of the dump truck creates larger blind spots than many passenger vehicles. Blind spots can make it challenging for dump truck drivers to change lanes safely or see smaller vehicles on the road.
Driver Fatigue
Dump truck drivers may be drowsy. Their jobs may require them to start their days early, end their days late, and spend their working hours going between multiple job sites. Tired drivers can have slower reaction times and drive erratically.
Driver Negligence, Error, or Inexperience
Dump truck drivers may be distracted, negligent, or even reckless. They may make mistakes while driving or lack the training and experience needed to handle this type of commercial vehicle. For example, driving and texting or accidentally driving with the dump body raised could cause serious crashes.
Slick Surfaces, Weather Conditions, or Poor Roads
Whether it’s ice, sleet, snow, or rain, Michigan weather can make the roads slippery and hazardous. Road salt, frequent plowing, and other aspects associated with poor weather can also cause issues like potholes and damage to the roads that make them uneven or contribute to a dump truck crash.
Improper or Inadequate Dump Truck Maintenance
If the dump truck is not maintained correctly, this could lead to a host of issues that could contribute to a crash. For example, it’s essential that brakes and tires be maintained to help dump truck drivers stay in control of their vehicles and avoid crashes.
Dump Truck Accident Injuries
Every accident results in unique injuries. After a dump truck crash, it’s essential to watch for potential injuries, including but not limited to:
- Head injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Burns and scarring
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries (such as internal bleeding or organ damage)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Spontaneous amputations or loss of limbs
What to Do After a Michigan Dump Truck Accident
For the most part, the steps you’ll take after a Michigan dump truck accident will be similar to the steps you would take after any motor vehicle accident. You’ll want to exchange contact and insurance information, get the vehicle details, file a police report, and get medical assistance promptly. However, a dump truck accident can be more complex than a typical car accident because it is a commercial truck.
There may be multiple issues to address, and the driver, the company the dump truck belongs to, or both, may be at fault. Michigan also has specific laws regarding accident cases, and injured persons can sue an at-fault driver if negligence can be proven, the driver’s negligence caused the injuries, and the injuries meet the state’s impairment function threshold test. Although Michigan is a no-fault state, you may also be able to bring claims using your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. A Michigan dump truck accident lawyer can assist in navigating these commercial truck accident issues.
Keller & Keller Will Fight for Results in Your Michigan Dump Truck Accident Case
Your recovery will depend on your unique injuries. If you’ve been hurt, we will fight for your fair recovery of:
- Medical expenses
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Lost income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The impact of a dump truck accident can be devastating, but we’ll work diligently to gather evidence, negotiate for maximum compensation, and represent you in court if needed. In short, we’ll do all we can to get justice for you.
