Cement Truck Accidents | Most Common Causes & Dangers

Every day, millions of vehicles travel the roads of Indiana. Many of these vehicles are driven by commuters and people who are just going about their day. There are also many vehicles on the roads and highways that are operated by professionals who are transporting goods or services. These might include delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and cement trucks heading to work on construction sites. 

When a vehicle accident occurs, the damage can be serious regardless of the speed and size of the vehicles. When an accident occurs with a cement truck, there are many more factors that can lead to a critical injury. Anyone injured needs help from a truck accident lawyer right away. 

Dangers of Cement Trucks

Cement trucks can cause some of the most dangerous truck accidents on the road. Not only do they weigh much more than the average vehicle on the road, but they also carry up to 30,000 pounds of wet cement. The combination of the weight and the dangerous materials make a cement truck accident especially concerning for all who are involved. 

There are several reasons that cement truck accidents can be especially dangerous. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Speed and stopping distance – With a heavier truck, like a cement mixer, there is a much longer time required for the vehicle to stop. Therefore, if they are traveling at normal traffic speed but are not paying attention and need to step on their brakes, they might not have enough time to stop before crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
• Dangerous materials – In the event of a cement truck rollover accident, cement can be released from the truck and cover the roadways. This is especially dangerous to all other vehicles in the area and can cause a multiple-car pile-up. Additionally, cleaning up the debris from a cement truck accident can result in serious delays for the rest of the nearby traffic on the road. 
• Weight of the cement truck – The sheer weight of a cement truck makes it dangerous when colliding with another vehicle. The heavier truck will typically cause much more damage to the smaller vehicle, given its size and weight. When a collision with a cement truck happens, serious damage can occur, especially for those traveling in a smaller car. 

The Aftermath of a Cement Truck Accident 

A collision with a cement truck or damages that occur due to a cement truck accident can be terrifying and catastrophic. When this type of accident happens, it can be difficult to know which steps you should take in order to protect yourself. In the aftermath of a cement truck accident, it is important to:

• Assess the damage – Before leaving your vehicle, look around the scene to make sure it is safe to get out of your car. For example, if you are in the middle of the road and traffic has not stopped yet, it is advisable to stay in your car until the scene is clear and it is safe to step out. 
• Call 911 – By calling the emergency responders, you will put a few different pieces into action. First, you are alerting them of the accident and letting them know that they should send paramedics to determine if anyone has serious life-threatening injuries that require immediate treatment. 
• Police officers on the scene – The second action that the 911 operator can process is to call a police officer to go to the scene of the accident. The police officer and the accident team will typically interview everyone involved, attempt to collect testimony from additional bystanders who witnessed the accident and will then use this information to file an official accident report. This report will most likely state who was at fault for the accident. 
• Seek immediate medical attention – If there is a medical team at the scene of the accident, they can do a preliminary exam to determine if you have any injuries that require immediate attention. Even if you do not have any seemingly serious injuries at the time, it is advisable to seek additional medical attention within the first 24 to 48 hours of your accident. Some injuries take days or even weeks to present symptoms, so it is important to have a record of medical examinations to show your progress if symptoms do show up after the accident. 

Speak with a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away 

A collision with a cement truck can be terrifying and may result in serious injuries, especially for those who are in a smaller vehicle. Working through the claims process can be challenging, and it is advisable to seek guidance from an experienced attorney in the event of this type of accident. 

At Blackburn and Romey, we are dedicated to helping our clients who have been impacted by the aftermath of a serious accident. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case and to learn how we can help.