Crashes caused by careless dump truck drivers in St. Louis can cause major harm to those involved – especially the occupants of a smaller passenger car. If you were injured in a dump truck accident, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages from missed time at work, and pain and suffering. You don’t have to take on these challenges alone.
You may be eligible to receive compensation for such losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our St. Louis dump truck accident attorneys are prepared to advocate for you and seek the money you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related losses.
Get in touch with our firm today to discuss your case during a no-cost claim review.
What Makes Dump Trucks So Dangerous?
Dump trucks, like most large commercial vehicles, have the potential to cause serious injuries in collisions for reasons such as the following:
- Heavier vehicles tend to cause severe injuries in wrecks due to the force of impact.
- Dump trucks and other large vehicles need more time and distance to stop than passenger cars.
- Dump trucks are at risk of tipping or rolling over due to their high centers of gravity.
- Passenger vehicles or pedestrians can become caught under a dump truck due to its high ground clearance.
- Dump trucks have relatively large blind spots.
- Dump trucks can also be dangerous due to what they’re hauling. A dump truck transporting hazardous materials may cause more significant harm in a collision than another truck would.
Causes and Types of Dump Truck Accidents in St. Louis
Some of the most common types of dump truck accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollovers
- Spills and unsecured cargo
- Head-on collisions
- Blind spot crashes
- T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
Potential causes of a dump truck accident include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Speeding and other types of reckless driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver fatigue
- Distraction
- Vehicle defects or mechanical issues
- Lack of proper vehicle maintenance
- Poor road conditions
Common Injuries in Dump Truck Crashes
The injuries that victims sustain in St. Louis dump truck accidents can vary significantly depending on many factors. Some examples of the most common severe injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries and herniated discs
- Broken or fractured bones
- Joint damage
- Soft tissue sprains, strains, and tears
- Internal organ injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Burns and abrasions
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
How Does an Attorney Prove Liability for a Dump Truck Crash?
Various parties may be liable for a dump truck crash. They include:
- The dump truck driver
- The trucking company that employs the dump truck driver
- The company that owns the dump truck
- The vehicle’s manufacturer, if a defect or design flaw caused the wreck
- Companies responsible for maintaining the vehicle
- Other drivers or pedestrians involved in the crash
- Government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions
Dump truck accident lawyers will gather and preserve various types of evidence to prove liability. Some potential types of valuable evidence include the following:
- Photos of the accident scene, including road conditions, debris, skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and damage to the vehicles involved
- Police accident report
- Videos from traffic cameras, dashcams, and surveillance cameras
- Statements from witnesses
- Photos of visible injuries
- Testimony from experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical providers
- Vehicle maintenance logs and similar documentation
- Field sobriety tests, if administered
What Is a Dump Truck Crash Case Worth?
It’s impossible to say for certain how much a hypothetical dump truck case is worth because no two accidents are alike. However, victims of dump truck crashes can generally recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic losses.
Examples of economic losses in dump truck crash cases are:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, specialists, mobility equipment, and medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity and benefits
- Costs to repair or replace damaged personal property
Common non-economic losses are:
- Pain and suffering due to injuries
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
The court might award punitive damages under specific circumstances. Under Missouri law, punitive damages may be awarded when clear and convincing evidence shows one of the following:
- The defendant intentionally harmed the injured party without just cause.
- The defendant’s actions qualify as “deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.”
Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim. Rather, they aim to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
Because dump trucks can cause serious injuries, settlement amounts in dump truck crash cases are sometimes high. As such, insurance companies may be more likely to push back when claimants seek compensation in these circumstances. That is why you need help from our experienced attorneys.
How Can Our St. Louis Dump Truck Accident Attorneys Help?
You don’t have to negotiate with the insurance company by yourself. Our dump truck collision attorneys can handle all correspondence with the insurer on your behalf. Allowing us to negotiate with the claims adjuster protects you from making statements that might harm your case. It also allows you to focus more energy and attention on your health while recovering from your injuries.
Other ways our St. Louis dump truck accident attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, may assist you include:
- Reviewing your case at no cost to you
- Explaining potential legal options and strategies
- Determining all liable parties
- Investigating the crash to gather crucial evidence
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation, such as insurance coverage
- Gathering documentation of your financial and personal losses
- Calculating the total value of your claim to demand the appropriate amount
- Completing and submitting claim paperwork on time
- Negotiating with insurers for a fair and full settlement
- Taking your case to court and representing you at trial should it be the best chance at recovering the compensation you deserve
A dump truck crash can change your life. Learn how our experienced truck accident lawyers can provide stability for the future by contacting us online or calling our office today for a free consultation.
