Not all truck accidents involve big-rig trucks. Construction trucks are used on numerous roads and highways in Norfolk when road repairs or expansion is taking place. They can also be found at building and home construction sites. Unfortunately, their close proximity to motorists and pedestrians can increase the likelihood of a tragic collision.
Construction Vehicles That Put Your Family and You at Risk of Being Seriously Injured
Many different types of trucks and other heavy equipment vehicles are used on construction sites. Heavy equipment can make road and building construction workers’ jobs easier and get the work done faster. However, like other commercial truckers, the operators can cause catastrophic crashes. Some construction trucks involved in accidents include:
- Cranes
- Bulldozers
- Front-end loaders
- Cement mixer trucks
- Forklifts
- Backhoes
- Road graders
- Earth movers
- Bobcats
- Dump trucks
- Road rollers
- Compactors
Five Top Causes of Construction Vehicle Accidents
Construction truck collisions occur for many of the same reasons as other truck-car crashes. Here are the leading causes:
- Driver negligence. Many of the wrecks are caused by the operator’s negligence. Speeding, intoxication, fatigue, and distracted driving are a few of the unsafe driving practices that lead to collisions.
- Negligent hiring. Construction companies must screen drivers to be certain that they are qualified to drive a large construction vehicle. If the driver who caused the wreck did not have the license, training, experience, or good driving record required to drive a construction truck, the victim may have a negligent hiring claim against the company he works for.
- Blind spots. Like other commercial trucks, construction vehicles have large blind spots along their sides and in the front and back. When the drivers are not aware of them or do not take steps to be certain no one is in a blind spot, they can cause a preventable accident. A backover accident where the operator does not see a small child or other pedestrian behind him is an especially tragic type of blind spot accident.
- Equipment failure. Construction trucks have many complex parts that can break down if they are defective or not regularly repaired and maintained by the fleets’ owner. Defective tires, brakes, and steering components can cause the truck to malfunction and its driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Improper loading. When the materials being transported are not loaded or secured properly, the truck can become unstable and cause a rollover accident, or the load can fall off the truck into oncoming traffic.
If you or a loved one were injured in a construction truck accident, we are here to handle all aspects of filing your claim and negotiating your settlement so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. To get started, fill out the convenient form on our website to schedule your free initial consultation today.
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