Chattanooga Cement Truck Accident Attorneys

What Damages Can I Recover for Cement Truck Accident Injuries?

When you suffer injuries in a cement truck accident, you have the right to seek economic and non-economic damages from the liable party. Economic damages are quantifiable expenses linked to the accident, while non-economic damages are less quantifiable consequences. The intent is to restore you to the financial position you were in prior to the accident.

Our Chattanooga cement truck accident lawyers will work to get you maximum compensation for all losses, including:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Ongoing or permanent disability
• Property damage
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Common Causes of Cement Truck Accidents

Cement trucks are unwieldy vehicles that can be challenging to dependably control even in ideal circumstances. Drivers of these trucks must be trained to safely operate them and be aware of the risks of how an accident can occur. In many situations, a cement truck accident will be caused by the negligence of the driver or one or more other parties.   

Our Chattanooga cement truck accident attorneys are prepared to represent you if suffered injuries in a crash caused by:

• Speeding. Cement trucks carry wet cement, which hardens and becomes useless if it is not delivered to a construction site in time. This requires drivers to carefully plan their routes, but this urgency can also compel them to drive faster than they safely should. Traveling at high speeds can make the cement truck more likely to roll over, especially if an unexpected hazard triggers a sudden attempted stop or turn. 
• Inexperience. Not all trucks drive the same. Cement trucks have a higher center of gravity than other commercial vehicles, meaning someone who regularly drives box trucks may not be prepared for the differences in how a cement truck handles and is consequently more likely to make critical errors.
• Improper turns. A cement truck’s high center of gravity and its rotating drum make it alarmingly easy for the vehicle to tip and experience a rollover, especially if a turn is not safely executed. Even a turn at a low speed can result in a cement truck tipping over. 
• Distracted driving. Because of the additional risks that come with cement trucks, operators should give their full attention to the road. Texting while driving or becoming distracted by anything else can lead to dangerous mistakes. 
• Fatigued driving. Cement truck drivers are often under immense pressure to complete many stressful, time-sensitive trips in a single day. Working too long without rest can lead to dangerous levels of fatigue, which is why all truck drivers must follow hours of service regulations.
• Intoxicated driving. No truck driver should ever operate their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, especially when traversing construction sites and handling something as potentially dangerous as a cement truck. 
• Equipment failure. A cement truck driver may do everything right but still get into a wreck due to the sudden failure of one or more vehicle components. A tire blowout could upset the truck’s balance, or a brake system failure could prevent the driver from safely stopping the vehicle before colliding with a hazard or car. 

Common Injuries in Cement Truck Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can vary from mild concussions to serious brain damage, impacting cognitive function and quality of life.
• Spinal cord injuries: Victims may suffer partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
• Broken bones: The force of a collision could result in multiple fractures, some requiring surgical intervention.
• Burn injuries: In some cases, accidents may result in fires or chemical burns, leading to disfigurement and permanent scars.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding can be life-threatening and could not be instantly apparent.
• Wrongful death: Tragically, many cement truck accidents result in fatalities, which could leave families grieving and facing financial hardships.

Who Is Liable for a Cement Truck Accident?

Liability for a cement truck accident tends to be extremely complicated, as it may not be initially clear who employs the driver, who owns the truck, and, ultimately, who is responsible. Depending on the cause of the accident and the layers of insurance coverage and ownership, multiple parties may be at fault. When you engage our team at The Hamilton Firm, we will act fast to conduct a complete investigation, taking steps to gather and preserve evidence, records, and data that will be crucial to building a strong case. We will also interview emergency response personnel, police officers, and witnesses as necessary.

One or more of the following parties may be liable for a cement truck accident:

• The truck driver
• The truck driver’s employer or broker
• The owner of the truck
• The shipper or warehouse involved in the cargo loading
• The truck or vehicle component manufacturer 
• Parties responsible for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and inspections
• Insurance companies for various parties

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Cement Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Each states enforces time limits for legal action related to any kind of truck accident, including cement truck accidents. The location where the accident took place will govern which deadline applies.

In Tennessee, you have only one year from the date of the cement truck accident to file a lawsuit. In Georgia and Alabama, you get two years from the date of the accident to bring a claim.

Many cement truck accidents lead to catastrophic and even fatal injuries. If someone is killed in a cement truck accident in Tennessee, parties with standing have one year from the date of the victim’s passing to bring a wrongful death claim. In Georgia and Alabama, parties with standing have two years from the date of death to start the legal process. 

Contact Our Cement Truck Accident Attorney in Chattanooga Today

Time is of the essence after a cement truck accident. Evidence can quickly disappear, and the statute of limitations could limit your ability to file a lawsuit. Our Chattanooga cement truck accident lawyer from The Hamilton Firm will act swiftly to defend your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.

We have extensive experience handling very complex truck accident cases, including those involving cement trucks. We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients and holding negligent parties liable for their actions. Do not wait to take action if you or a loved one has been injured. 

Do not wait to consult our Chattanooga cement truck accident lawyer if you or someone you love sustained injuries. Contact us online or call (423) 454-3288 today.