According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), the nation sustains 500,000 truck collisions each and every year. Even worse, the country suffers about 5,000 fatalities annually which are directly correlated to truck accidents. Commercial vehicles of any kind offer a number of potential dangers and hazards to motorists traveling in close proximity. Whether on the highway or streets in Oklahoma, any collision with a large truck is of serious concern for those involved in the crash.

Dump truck accidents are among the most dangerous of all type of truck collisions. Commonly seen on the roadways of Oklahoma, these vehicles are necessary to construction projects of many sorts. Unfortunately, it seems as though construction in the state of Oklahoma is an ongoing, never-ending process. Once one project is completed, it seems as if another construction project springs up down the street. Therefore, all Oklahoma motorists must be aware of the presence of these vehicles and potential risks associated with dump truck accidents.

Edwards Law Firm has been serving the Oklahoma community for many, many years. During this time, we have handled a countless number of large truck collisions. Due to complexity of the specific set of rules and regulations related to truck accidents, hiring an experienced, knowledgeable truck crash attorney is imperative to all accident victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dump truck accident, our personal injury lawyers are prepared to take on your case today.

For more information, please fill out a Free Case Review form on this page.

Causes of Dump Truck Accidents

Typically used to transport loose material, dump trucks play an important role in construction sites across America. There is a hydraulic open-box function in most standard dump trucks, this allows for the rear to be on a hinge where the front has the ability to lift and dump the contents of the open-box onto the ground behind the truck. This function is especially helpful for construction sites where heavy concrete and other heavy building materials must be moved from one location to another.

Sadly, collisions with these dump trucks often end in severe, debilitating, and often fatal injuries for those in the passenger cars involved. The height of the drivers seat in a typical dump truck often protects the driver in the event of an accident; however, this presents a deadly situation for any vehicle which strikes the truck. Typically, the passenger vehicle slides underneath the dump truck, causing a wide range of possible injuries.

The following are the most common causes of dump truck accidents:

  • Tipping: the construction of dump trucks makes them vulnerable to tipping over due to the imbalance in weight and materials being carried inside of the open-box.
  • Back-Up: there are substantial visual limitations for the driver of a dump truck. As such, oncoming vehicles and even parked cars are at risk of being hit by a dump truck with backing up.

The number of potential injuries associated with dump truck accidents is enormous. When fully-loaded, a 5 axle dump truck may weigh as much as 65,000 pounds. Combining such a large vehicle with hazardous, heavy materials and uneven surfaces creates a recipe for potential disaster. Therefore, all Oklahoma motorists must take notice of a dump truck in close proximity.

Due to the fact that the entire rear or front of a passenger vehicle is able to slide under a dump truck, the common injuries linked to dump truck crashes are incredibly severe. Those who are able to survive these types of traffic crashes are often require hospitalization and, in many cases, permanent bodily damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a dump truck, Edwards Law is here to provide the legal guidance that you need and deserve.

Contact a Knowledgeable Tulsa Accident Attorney

With the ability to practice in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, the attorneys of Edwards Law Firm are well equipped to handle personal injury claims of any kind. At our law firm, we believe that when the negligent driving behaviors of another motorist cause injury or harm to you and your loved ones, this at-fault party must be held liable for the damages in which they cause. Therefore, we work tirelessly to build a strong case for our clients.

With a goal of achieving the maximum compensation possible for the accident victims that we represent, our auto collision lawyers combine years of experience, comprehensive legal knowledge, and a deep passion for the law to place our clients in the best position to win big. Edwards Law Firm offers a free consultation to all victims to discuss your potential legal options in a calm, comfortable setting.

To get started today, please complete a Free Case Review form above.