Holding Negligent Drivers Liable for Dump Truck Crashes on Indiana Roads

Dump Truck Traveling on the RoadAs a motorist in Indiana, you share the road with a variety of commercial trucks, including large tractor-trailers, oil tanker trucks, flatbeds, car haulers, and box delivery trucks. One type of truck that you may see less often is dump trucks and gravel haulers.

These vehicles tend to travel shorter distances, making local pick-ups and drop-offs. But if you regularly travel a road that is also a route for dump trucks, you are at risk of being involved in a devastating crash.

The truck accident attorney at Keller & Keller is committed to holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable for deadly crashes, and we are here to help you if you have an unfortunate run-in with a dump truck in Indiana.

Causes of Indiana Dump Truck Crashes

Not every crash with a commercial truck is the fault of the truck driver, our Indianapolis injury lawyer adds. Drivers of passenger cars speed, cut off other vehicles, stop suddenly and drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol—all of which can cause a deadly crash that would be entirely their own fault.

However, when the driver of a fully loaded dump truck is responsible for the crash, they should be held accountable for the damage caused to the victims. Factors in a dump truck crash that are the fault of the trucker or their employer include the following:

  • Driver error. When a dump truck driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging onto a busy road, dozes off behind the wheel, confuses controls or signals, or makes another type of significant error, their mistake could cause a catastrophic crash.
  • Driver negligence. A dump truck operator who speeds, fails to yield the right of way, gets distracted by a cellphone, GPS, or co-driver, or who is drunk or on drugs—prescription or otherwise—would be liable for a crash that results from their negligence.
  • Tip-overs. A fully loaded dump truck with a raised box is at high risk of tipping over. When the load is improperly secured, the road is uneven, or the driver is speeding or taking a corner too fast, the chance of a rollover is even higher. If a dump truck tips over on a busy road, many lives are put in danger. The driver and their employer—as well as the party responsible for loading the vehicle—could all be held accountable for injuries and deaths that result.
  • Load spill. Even if a dump truck doesn’t tip over, it could spill its load on the highway if it is not properly secured or if the driver mistakenly releases the load prematurely. Dump trucks carry thousands of pounds of debris, rocks, gravel, sand, and garbage, which could create a deadly hazard if it is spilled on the road.

Large dump trucks can carry up to 14 tons, and small haulers transport around 14,000 pounds. These vehicles have the potential to cause devastating crashes when drivers, trucking companies, and loading crews are careless or negligent.

What You Could Be Owed If You Are Injured

A collision with a dump truck or the spilled contents of one is likely to cause catastrophic injuries and death. If you suffered serious injuries or a loved one was killed in a crash with a dump truck, you could be owed the following damages:

  • Payment of hospital bills and prescription medications
  • Cost of ongoing rehabilitation services for long-term or permanent injuries
  • Lost wages for the time you are unable to work
  • Pain and suffering damages for emotional trauma
  • Wrongful death damages for the loss of a loved one

A skilled Indiana truck crash attorney will have the experience necessary to determine the full value of your claim—including potential future losses—to ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses. Working directly with the negligent driver’s insurance company could result in a lower settlement than what you deserve. Play it safe—talk to Keller & Keller in Indianapolis about how we can help you get what you deserve.

James R. Keller
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Partner at Keller & Keller