Dump trucks are types of heavy trucks that are used for mining, construction, transport of materials, and waste management. They can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded. These road giants are common in Michigan, and because of their large size and heavy loading, they pose a very high risk to other pedestrians when in a truck accident.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there have been 69 fatal crashes involving large trucks in Michigan in 2015. There have been 75 fatalities in large truck crashes for the same year in the state.
Types of Dump Trucks
There are many types of dump trucks that you can run into in Michigan. Each type serves a specific commercial purpose. Here are some of them.
Articulated Haulers
These dump trucks, also known as dump haulers, are commonly used with a primary mover. They are enormous and are used for heavy duty purposes such as logging. They are widely used for transport of heavy loads over rough terrains. Articulated haulers have two components: the tractor or the front section, and the hauler or the trailer section.
Standard Dump Trucks
A standard dump truck is made up of a truck chassis and a large dump body. A hydraulic ram is used to raise the truck bed. Most standard dump trucks in the U.S. have one front steering axle and two rear axles. Both the front and back axles are powered. Unpowered axles can be used to support extra load and weight.
Transfer Dump Trucks
Transfer dump trucks come with a separate trailer and a movable cargo, pulled behind by the moving part of the vehicle. It is usually used to transport gravel, sand, asphalt, and construction aggregate.
Super Dump Truck
A super dump truck is the heavy duty version of a standard dump truck used mainly for construction. Super dump trucks can carry loads up to 80,000 pounds. It is equipped with a trailing axle and a liftable, load-bearing axle.
Semi-trailer End Dump Truck
A semi-trailer end dumper is a combination of a tractor and a trailer. The trailer contains the hydraulic host of the truck. Although a semi-trailer can have a large payload, one of its downsides is that it is quite unstable when it is raised to its dumping position.
Side Dump Truck
The hydraulic of the side dump truck tilts the dump body to its side, hence its name. It can carry more weight and allows for faster unloading.
Causes of Accidents Involving Dump Trucks
There are many possible reasons why dump trucks get involved in road crashes. Because of its massive size and weight, a collision with a dump truck can be deadly. It can end with severe injuries to the parties involved, or worse, even death. Here are the common reasons why dump trucks get involved in road accidents:
Extreme weather conditions
Zero visibility and slippery roads can make maneuvering and handling a large vehicle really challenging. It can end up with the driving losing control and crashing on another car, especially if the driver uses excessive speed for the conditions.
Overloading
Dump trucks have specific loading capacity which should not be exceeded for safety purposes. An overloaded dump truck is at high risk of tipping and topping over. An overloaded dump truck is a road hazard, and dump truck drivers must be aware of the loading limit of their unit.
Poor visibility when backing up
The dump truck driver must take exceptional care when reversing. The large size of the truck results to blind spots for the driver when backing up. This makes a reversing dump truck prone to collisions with other vehicles, objects, and pedestrians.
Operating and driving heavy machinery, such as dump trucks, require experience and expertise. Untrained and inexperienced truck drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but they are also a danger to everyone around them. Dump truck drivers must be adequately trained and must be acquainted with safety regulations and the correct operation of the unit.
Malfunctioning unit
It is the responsibility of truck companies to ensure that their trucks are correctly and regularly maintained. A malfunctioning or poorly maintained dump truck is highly dangerous and can cause workplace and road accidents.
What Can a Michigan Dump Truck Accident Lawyer Do For You
Getting involved in a dump truck accident can have massive consequences. If you or someone you know was involved in one, get a Michigan dump truck accident lawyer to help you! Dump truck accident cases can be complicated since most trucking companies have the resources to fight your case legally. Things can get more complicated if the dump truck is owned by the government. Due to the complexity of dump truck accident cases, it is crucial to consult with a Michigan truck accident lawyer immediately.
A Michigan dump truck accident lawyer can help you get compensated for the following:
Medical bills
Therapy
Loss of income
Pain and suffering
Call The Clark Law Office for Free Legal Consultation.
Contact us and let‘s discuss your case and situation. The Clark Law Office is a team of dedicated lawyers who have helped and represented individuals and families fight for their rights and personal injury claims. We have the expertise, the experience, and the knowledge to win your case. Call us today.
Dump trucks are types of heavy trucks that are used for mining, construction, transport of materials, and waste management. They can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded. These road giants are common in Michigan, and because of their large size and heavy loading, they pose a very high risk to other pedestrians when in a truck accident.