Concrete Truck Accident Attorney in Savannah

Cement trucks are large vehicles that carry heavy loads of concrete, aggregate, or other materials. When a cement truck is involved in an accident with a passenger car or truck, the occupants in the smaller vehicle are the most likely to suffer the brunt of the injuries. 

The trauma of being involved in a motor vehicle accident with a large truck can make it difficult to know what to do. The owner of the concrete truck and its insurance company will have lawyers working to minimize the amount paid to settle an accident claim. If you have been injured and the concrete truck was at fault, you should contact a Savannah lawyer who has experience handling truck accident claims to discuss the proper steps to take. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you can concentrate on getting the treatment you need and getting back on your feet, while your attorney seeks the fair compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in a collision with a concrete truck in Savannah, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at the Spiva Law Group for help. We’ll be ready to discuss your accident and your rights during a free consultation. 

Why Do Cement Trucks Crash?

There are a wide variety of reasons why a cement truck might collide with another vehicle. Because of the heavy loads they carry, concrete trucks require longer distances to stop. If a truck driver doesn’t slow down when approaching a signalized intersection, the driver may be unable to stop if the traffic light turns red. The concrete truck may run the red light, barrel through the intersection, and hit other vehicles in its path, leading to serious injuries. Side-impact accidents and rear-end accidents are common types of collisions involving cement trucks.

In many instances, driving errors by the cement truck driver contribute to serious accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are four main types of driver errors that lead to collisions. These include:

• Recognition errors – These occur when a driver fails to properly assess a situation and react appropriately. A truck driver may not recognize that a traffic light is changing and a car ahead is slowing and be unable to stop safely. Many recognition errors are caused by driver inattention or distraction. 
• Decision errors – These occur when a driver makes an error in judgment and causes an accident. This could include failing to leave adequate space between vehicles or misjudging the speed of other vehicles on the road. 
• Non-performance errors – When a driver fails to carry out their “driving duties” while behind the wheel, they have committed a non-performance error. This includes falling asleep behind the wheel, failing to stay focused on the road, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Inadequate performance errors – If a driver fails to operate their vehicle in a responsible manner, their actions might be considered an inadequate performance error. 

In other instances, the trucking company or another entity may be to blame for a crash. Some examples of negligence on the part of the company that owns the cement truck include: 

• Failure to properly screen and train drivers
• Failure to supervise drivers 
• Failure to inspect and maintain the vehicle
• Improper loading of cement mix or other materials into the vehicle

What Should I Do If I Am in an Accident with a Cement Truck in Savannah?

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a cement truck, make sure to take the following steps: 

• Call law enforcement. Police and other first responders will secure the scene, provide medical treatment, and perform a preliminary investigation into the cause of the concrete truck crash. A police officer will create a crash report that will be an important document if you need to file a claim and seek compensation.
• Seek immediate medical treatment. If you are not injured badly enough to require emergency medical services, be sure to visit a physician within 24 hours to get a thorough evaluation. This will create an official medical record of any injuries you suffered. 
• Refrain from speaking to the insurance company representing the other driver. In the aftermath of a crash, the trucking company or insurance adjusters might contact you to give a statement regarding the crash. Politely decline to speak with them until you’ve discussed the situation with a personal injury lawyer. The company will be looking for information or statements from you that it can use to deny or diminish your injury claim. It’s best to have an experienced lawyer handle all communications with the insurers after the crash. 
• Consult a skilled truck accident lawyer. A lawyer with specific experience handling truck accident cases will know what evidence to seek and how to build a strong case on your behalf. The attorney will also protect you from the insurance company’s pressure tactics and will handle all the negotiations with the insurer so you can focus on healing. 

Common Injuries Suffered by Victims in Savannah Cement Truck Accidents

Injuries that result from an accident with a cement truck vary, depending on the type of accident.  Some common injuries that victims suffer in truck accidents include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Head and neck injuries
• Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
• Internal organ damage
• Loss of limbs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Soft tissue injuries

In addition to physical harm, victims of cement truck accidents may be eligible to seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and post-traumatic stress. 

Contact a Concrete Truck Accident Attorney in Savannah

If you have been injured in a collision with a concrete truck in Savannah, contact the Spiva Law Group right away. The truck accident lawyers at our law firm have more than 30 years of experience fighting for those who’ve been hurt in Savannah and across Georgia. 

Our primary concern is your well-being. We will do everything we can to help you get the full and fair compensation you need. Call us or reach out to us online for a 100% free consultation.