Dump Truck Accidents

Dump truck accidents are incredibly serious. If you are injured in this type of accident, seek legal help immediately. Talk with trucking accident lawyers serving Nashville, TN. Your lawyer will encourage you to treat your accident injuries. Additionally, they can teach you about dump truck accidents and, if warranted, help you get compensation from anyone who harmed you.

Why Do Dump Truck Accidents Happen?

Common causes of dump truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Sometimes, dump truck operators get tired behind the wheel. When this happens, drowsy driving can lead to accidents.
• Low Visibility: Dump truck drivers may not see a car or pedestrian nearby due to poor lighting or blind spots. At these times, they may be increasingly susceptible to accidents.
• Overloaded Truck: A dump truck driver may load up their vehicle to the point where it becomes difficult to stop on time. When a dump truck is overloaded, it may not function the way it should, which can contribute to accidents.
• Flying Debris: If a dump truck operator doesn’t secure their vehicle’s load properly, debris may fly off and hit cars and pedestrians. This includes not following TN’s “tarping laws.”
• Reckless Driving: Dump truck operators may speed or engage in distracted driving. If a dump truck driver is careless, they can make mistakes that result in accidents. 

Who Is Liable for a Dump Truck Accident?

The party liable for a dump truck accident varies. Parties that can be held responsible for a dump truck accident include:

• Dump truck driver
• Dump truck company
• Government entity

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What Should I Do If a Dump Truck Driver Crashes Their Vehicle Into Mine?

Take a deep breath and try not to panic if a dump truck driver crashes their vehicle into yours. Here are things to do to respond to the incident:

• Call for help. Dial 911, as this will bring medical professionals and police officers to the accident scene.
• Speak to the police. Tell the police what happened during your accident, but be careful not to say anything that might put fault on you. Be very direct and to the point with your statement to police.  Sometimes you can say too much, that can then be used against you.
• Receive medical attention. Allow medical personnel to evaluate you, treat your injuries, and, if necessary, take you to a hospital for further care.
• Notify your auto insurer. Contact your auto insurance company within days of your accident, even if you’re not at fault. Your insurer can start a claim and work with the insurance companies of other parties involved in the incident to determine who’s liable.
• Get legal help. Ask for legal guidance and support from a Nashville personal injury attorney with relevant truck accident case experience. Your lawyer can determine if you have grounds for seeking compensation from other parties involved in your accident.

Can I Sue the Party Liable for My Dump Truck Accident?

File a lawsuit against anyone responsible for your dump truck accident if you want to recover economic and non-economic damages. With a lawsuit, you may secure damages for various reasons, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Car repair costs
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Medical bills

According to Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is one year. Based on this, you may have a maximum of one year from the day of your dump truck collision to request compensation from any responsible parties. If this window closes, you may be liable for all of your accident losses. If you lost a loved one due to a dump truck accident, reach out to our wrongful death lawyer in Nashville to discuss your case during this difficult time.