A construction site is an incredibly dangerous place to be if you didn’t already. In fact, construction work routinely comes in at the top of lists of the most dangerous professions. Construction site truck accidents are among the reasons why. Workers have to almost have eyes in the back of their heads to be able to navigate all the hazards they face every day. This even means having to watch out for huge trucks and other machinery.
There are a lot of reasons trucks cause accidents on construction sites – and negligence is one of the most common. If you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s negligence, the experienced law firm of Penn Kestner & McEwen will be here for you. We have decades of experience in cases similar to yours, and you can rest easy knowing we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Schedule a free evaluation of your case by contacting us online or calling (800) 732-3070.
Types of Trucks in Construction Sites
You might be surprised just how many types of trucks show up at a construction site – and all of them can play a role in leading to accidents that can result in a lifetime of pain and debilitation. The following are just a few examples.
- Tow trucks – Tow trucks aren’t just found on highways and city streets. They’ll often appear on construction sites to bring in some of the equipment needed to complete a project, such as trenchers, cranes, bulldozers, and others.
- Tractor-trailers – Yes, even semi-trucks – the ones you probably have to navigate around far too often on your daily commute – are used on construction sites as well. They will often bring in many types of raw materials, such as pipes and lumber.
- Concrete mixers – These are frequently found on construction sites to provide the concrete needed for a building. When construction site truck accidents involve these vehicles, the results can be horrific.
- Dump trucks – These will also bring in materials, such as dirt and gravel, as well as haul away scrap metal and other waste.
Driver Negligence
There are some truck drivers that are so reckless they’ll even speed while on a construction site, potentially putting dozens of people at risk as a result. They can be distracted by something outside the window or while answering their phone or checking a text. In an environment that is as chaotic as a construction area, a lack of focus could prove fatal.
Also, if a truck driver has been on the road all night transporting a critical piece of equipment, they’re going to be incredibly fatigued. They won’t be able to react as quickly to unexpected obstacles once they arrive at the site. It goes without saying that won’t end well.
Inexperienced Drivers
Whether a driver is hired by a trucking company or construction company, that business must do a proper job of screening that person. They have to make sure the driver is qualified to operate this large of a vehicle. There is a huge shortage of drivers, so employers may skirt the rules and not do their due diligence.
Defective Parts
There are some construction site truck accidents that occur due to the failure of a vital component due to a manufacturer’s defect. It could be a faulty hitch, the braking system, or just about anything else.
Failure to Maintain Vehicles
Most of the time, however, the failure of a component can be squarely placed on the company that owns the truck – as well as the driver. Both are required to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before those trucks are allowed to get on the road. Of course, both will often violate this requirement.
For example, a trucking company may “overlook” the fact that a truck’s tires are worn out. They’re obsessed with making money, so they don’t take the time to put on fresh tires. If a blowout occurs and leads to an accident, that company will be held accountable – as will the driver. Truck drivers are also required to check the tires and all other important components.
Large Blind Spots
Trucks have incredibly large blind spots – much larger than a passenger vehicle’s. The right side is a particularly hazardous area, with a blind spot that can stretch for 20 feet or even longer. When unqualified drivers fail to check their blind spots, they can easily run over workers and kill them instantly.
Can Multiple Parties be Liable for Construction Site Truck Accidents?
There can be several different parties that are responsible for a truck accident on a construction site.
For example, consider a scenario where a fatigued truck driver slams into a backhoe, severely injuring the driver. The driver couldn’t come to a stop because the brakes failed – a failure that occurred because the braking system was defective. In this case, the driver could be held liable for driving while fatigued. However, the manufacturer of the braking system could also be sued.
In order to correctly determine liability in a truck accident, an attorney will need to conduct a detailed investigation. This will need to start almost immediately since a construction site changes so rapidly. Otherwise, critical evidence could disappear for good.
Contact Penn Kestner & McEwen to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation After Your Accident
Please don’t let any more time go by before talking to a Penn Kestner & McEwen truck accident attorney. Once we hear the details of your case, we may offer to represent you. If you hire us, we’ll get to work investigating what happened. We’ll then take the action needed to help you obtain every penny you deserve.
If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys for more information – or to schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case – you can call us at (800) 732-3070 or use our online form.
