Like most truck accidents, concrete trucks are extremely dangerous due to their extremely large size and additional weight. Just recently on April 2019, a man suffered death from a head-on collision with a concrete truck while riding his car in Detroit. As of December 2012, a total of 79,685 trucks are registered in Michigan. This number includes all heavy load trucks of up to 164 thousand pounds. Concrete trucks occur in various weights and sizes, with varying safety precautions. For the past decade, however, the number of ready-mix concrete truck accidents has an increasing trend.
What are Concrete Trucks and Why Are They So Dangerous?
A concrete truck is also known as a concrete mixer/ transport/ mixing transport truck, mixer truck, cement mixer truck, or transit/ in-transit mixer. It is designed to transport large amounts of load called aggregates, such as water, cement, and construction materials for mixing like sand and gravel. The cab of the truck is attached with a cylindrical drum made of fiberglass or steel. The trailer itself can weigh up to 30,000 pounds and even carry a load of 40,000 pounds. Because of its heavy load and large size, concrete truck accidents are often severe. The contents add hazard as these can spill during a crash.
Concrete Truck Laws in Michigan
Because concrete trucks can be dangerous on the road, there are laws in Michigan to protect motorists and pedestrians. There are axle weight maximum loads which concrete trucks must comply with, instead of gross vehicle weight measured in other states. Usually, a maximum of 11 axles with 13,000 pounds each at most is the standard.
There are even “Frost Laws” in some local roads and highways during the months of March to May. This means that the maximum load is reduced to prevent broken pavement and potholes during these months as the ground becomes weaker while the season changes. If an accident takes place because of non-compliance, you may have a stronger claim.
Concrete Truck Injuries
You have the right to compensation if the driver of the concrete truck is proven at fault. Most injuries are caused by driver negligence, including distracted driving, fatigue or drowsiness, alcohol or drug influence, faulty or poorly maintained trucks, oversized or improper loading, and others. Accidents may come in the form of:
Collision or truck wreck with cars or other large vehicles
Concrete truck tipping over
Spilling of materials or fuel
Hitting pedestrians or cyclists
Road collapse leading to accidents
Concrete Truck Drivers in Michigan
Concrete trucks are challenging to drive compared to other regular vehicles. That is why the standards for concrete truck drivers are higher. They are required to undergo additional training and take extra precautions on the road. Even with higher standards, it is still common to be involved with a concrete truck that has inadequately trained drivers. If you are involved in a concrete truck accident, you will need an experienced accident attorney to prove the driver’s liability.
Concrete Truck Accident Claim
Usually, proving the negligence of a concrete truck driver means finding them liable or at fault. This makes them responsible for providing compensation to the injured person involved in an accident. Compensation may come in the form of paying for medical bills and lost wages. Medical bills include expenses in the hospital, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and doctor fees. Lost wages are the amount of money the victim is unable to earn due to accident injuries. Compensation for the damaged vehicle is also included.
The amount is based on:
Liability or at what percentage is the concrete truck driver at fault
Damages which covers property damage and personal injuries, including medical bills and lost wages
Benefits of Hiring a Concrete Truck Accident Attorney
In the event of personal injuries and property damage, you and your truck accident lawyer will be dealing a lot with insurance companies. These insurance companies may go out of their way to pay you the very least amount of coverage they can possibly give. There may also be times when you will be denied to claim your insurance. In these instances, you will need to hire an experienced concrete truck accident lawyer.
A reliable truck accident attorney will:
Ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation from the concrete truck accident
Make sure that you receive all the medical care, lost wages, and property damages you incurred from the accident
Prove liability by gathering and keeping evidence from road cameras, interviews, medical records, and other trusted sources
Provide legal knowledge and advice about your case, and the best steps you need to take
Properly document your case
Represent you in court
Contact The Clark Law Office for Concrete Truck Accident Claims
After all the pain and suffering caused by a concrete truck accident, every victim deserves just compensation against large trucking companies. That is why it is crucial to hire professional Michigan personal injury lawyers who can protect and defend your claim. After a concrete truck accident, make sure to call a trusted accident lawyer right away after stabilizing the patient.
The Clark Law Office has more than 30 years of experience in this field. Have your case evaluated by our best Michigan lawyers to know more about your claim. Contact us today at (517) 347-6900 and let us discuss your case!