Not all Virginia truck accidents involve massive tractor-trailers. Many different types of construction trucks are used on interstates, highways, and roadways across the state anytime expansion or repairs are taking place. Construction trucks can also be seen at home and building construction sites. Sadly, their close proximity to pedestrians and other vehicles increases the odds of a catastrophic Virginia construction truck accident occurring.
Why do so many Virginia accidents involve construction vehicles?
If you sustained an injury in a collision that involved a construction truck, contact the Virginia truck accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for your free claim review. Our reputable legal team will examine the details of your accident and determine the most effective approach to holding the negligent driver responsible.
Construction Vehicles Most Commonly Involved in Accidents
Several different kinds of heavy equipment vehicles, including trucks, are used every day on construction sites. This specialty equipment makes building and road construction crews’ jobs much easier and helps them get their work done much faster. Unfortunately, just like those who operate oversized commercial trucks, those who operate construction trucks are capable of causing catastrophic accidents.
Some construction vehicles that are often involved in serious accidents are:
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Cement mixer trucks
- Front-end loaders
- Backhoes
- Forklifts
- Earthmovers
- Road graders
- Road rollers
- Dump trucks
- Bobcats
- Compactors
Leading Causes of Construction Truck Accidents
Construction truck accidents happen for a lot of the same reasons as other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. The leading causes of these accidents in Virginia are:
- Operator negligence: Many construction truck accidents are the result of the driver’s negligence. Intoxication, speeding, distraction, and fatigue are the leading forms of driver negligence that lead to accidents.
- Negligent training/hiring: Construction companies are required to either train their drivers or screen them to ensure they are qualified to operate heavy-duty machinery. If the operator at fault for the accident did not have the appropriate training, license, driving record, or experience necessary to drive a construction vehicle, the victim could have a valid negligent hiring claim against the freight company.
- Blind spots: Similar to other commercial vehicles, construction truck blind spots are extremely large and run along both sides, the front, and back of the vehicle. When a driver fails to properly monitor his vehicle’s blind spots, an avoidable and tragic accident can occur. Backover accidents, an accident where the driver fails to notice a child or other pedestrian behind him, is a very common kind of blind spot accident.
- Equipment malfunction: Construction vehicles are made up of numerous complex parts that will malfunction or break down if they are not regularly maintained or repaired by the owner of the fleet or if they are defective. Faulty steering components, brakes, and tires can also cause the construction truck to malfunction and its operator to lose control of the vehicle.
- Improper loading: When the cargo that is being transported is not properly secured or loaded, the truck can easily become unstable, leading to a rollover accident. The improperly secured load could also fall off the back of the truck and into traffic, causing an accident.
If you were seriously injured in a construction truck accident, our lawyers can oversee the filing of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement so you can focus on your recovery. The qualified Virginia Beach construction truck lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp understand how difficult life can be following a serious accident. We can help you collect the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and more. Call us today at (833) 997-1774 to schedule your free case review.
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