Pasadena Concrete Truck Accident Lawyer
Concrete trucks are common on Pasadena roads, yet many people only realize the danger they pose once a crash happens. The weight and height of concrete trucks mean they strike other vehicles with incredible force, leaving victims with serious and potentially fatal injuries.
The Law Offices of Pius Joseph wants to help if you’ve been hurt in a concrete truck crash. Attorney Pius Joseph has over 25 years of personal injury experience and a proven record of successful case results. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Concrete Truck Accidents
Concrete trucks, often called cement mixers, are large commercial vehicles used for road and building construction. They resemble tractor-trailers, except the trailer is a cylindrical container mounted on the truck that rotates as it moves. This spinning motion keeps the concrete mixture inside from settling and hardening.
The size, height, and heavy payload of concrete trucks increase the chances of enormous destruction in a crash. While California officials do not track the number of cement truck accidents in the state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that in a single year, 34 fatal crashes involving such vehicles occurred nationwide.
Common Causes of Concrete Truck Accidents
Some common causes of concrete truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel often lead to tired truck drivers, increasing the risk of accidents due to falling asleep at the wheel.
- Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks – When a concrete truck carries too much weight or has an uneven load, it becomes unstable and prone to tipping.
- Inadequate maintenance – Failure to regularly check and maintain a concrete truck can result in critical mechanical failures.
- Speeding – Driving a heavy concrete truck too fast for road conditions can cause a driver to lose control.
- Lack of training – Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers may not handle the unique challenges of operating a concrete truck safely.
- Distracted driving – Using phones or other distractions increases the risk of an accident because these activities require drivers to take their eyes off the road.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol or drugs can impair a truck driver’s judgment and ability to control a concrete mixer.
Who Could Be Liable for a Concrete Truck Accident?
Depending on how the accident happened, the potentially responsible parties may include:
- Truck driver – The driver may be liable for a crash caused if they were speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, or violating other laws while driving.
- Trucking company – The company could be responsible if the accident resulted from poor truck maintenance, inadequate driver training, or violating safety regulations.
- Concrete company – If improper loading of concrete or equipment failure contributed to the accident, the concrete company might be liable.
- Vehicle manufacturer – The manufacturer may be responsible if a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing caused the accident.
- Maintenance providers – If poor maintenance or shoddy repair work led to the accident, the service provider could be held accountable.
- Other motorists – Sometimes, actions by other drivers on the road (e.g., reckless driving) can lead to accidents, making these drivers potentially liable.
Types of Compensation in California Concrete Truck Accident Claims
Compensation from a California concrete truck accident claim can include money for losses like:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage
Get Help From an Experienced Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a Pasadena concrete truck crash, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today for a free case evaluation with a California cement truck accident attorney.
