Knoxville Cement Truck Accidents
While perhaps not as physically imposing as other commercial trucks, cement trucks can still pose a serious threat to others on the road when they are not operated or maintained with due care. Cement trucks are larger and weigh a great deal more than most other vehicles, especially when full of fresh cement. Their size and weight make it easy for them to plow through or over other vehicles (or pedestrians) if they are involved in an accident. Such destruction often leads to serious injuries and could even result in a wrongful death. To find out more about your legal options following a cement truck accident, call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz. Our Knoxville truck accident attorneys have fought for the rights of truck accident victims and other injured clients for over 30 years, and we are the largest Tennessee-based personal injury law firm.
Identifying Those Responsible for Your Injuries in a Cement Truck Accident Case
Cement truck accidents are frequently caused by some negligent action or inaction by the truck driver. For example, a cement truck driver who has driven for more hours than is allowed under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations may finally succumb to fatigue and fall asleep at the wheel while traveling down Interstate 40 in route to a construction zone. If that truck causes an accident that results in injury, the injured party or parties would likely be able to obtain compensation by bringing a legal claim for negligence against the driver.
Often, truck drivers are not the only parties that can be held legally responsible for the injuries suffered by a cement truck accident victim. Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, a company that employs a cement truck driver who negligently causes injury can be held responsible if the driver was otherwise acting within the course and scope of their employment with the company. This is especially important for victims who are seriously injured in a truck accident, as the truck driver will likely not have sufficient personal assets to fully compensate the victim for their injuries. Companies will carry higher insurance limits that can help a victim become made whole, which could include compensation for future medical bills, permanent impairment, and loss of earning capacity.
Of course, companies that own cement trucks or employ cement truck drivers can be held responsible for their own negligence as well. Take, for example, a truck that spills cement out on a highway, thereby causing an accident when the car behind the truck swerves to avoid the cement. If the company that owns the truck had not performed proper maintenance on the truck, and that improper maintenance caused the cement to spill, the company can likely be held responsible for injuries sustained in the ensuing accident because of its failure to maintain the vehicle. A company could be held responsible for negligent training or improper loading of the mixer.
In addition, it is also possible that other parties bear responsibility for the accident. For instance, a cement truck’s brakes could fail, causing an accident in which the manufacturer of the brakes could potentially be held responsible. A Knoxville attorney experienced in handling truck accident cases will be able to investigate the facts of a victim’s case and ensure that the victim is pursuing all possible forms of recovery against all responsible parties.
Retain the Services of a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Attorney to Protect Your Rights
For victims who have been injured in a cement truck accident, it is important to secure legal representation that can pinpoint the responsible parties and pursue full recovery for their injuries. Investigating a trucking accident case is of utmost importance, as the initial investigation can uncover information that sets the tone for the entire case. If you have a cement truck accident case that you would like to discuss with an experienced Knoxville injury attorney, call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today, as we have the knowledge and resources that you will need to pursue your claims. Call us toll-free at 800-529-4004 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
