Involved in an Accident With a Dump Truck?
Dump truck accidents pose a significant concern for Virginia motorists. This is especially true among the busy traffic of Fairfax and Richmond. Car crashes with large dump trucks, garbage trucks, and other commercial vehicles can result in serious injury or even death. Knowing what to do at the truck accident scene is paramount to navigating the aftermath successfully.
The importance of seeking experienced legal counsel cannot be overstated. Handling insurance claims and pursuing compensation for injuries and damages is remarkably complex. Trust the skilled Virginia personal injury attorneys at The Mottley Law Firm to guide you through this troubling time.
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Common Causes of Dump Truck Accidents
Dump trucks serve critical roles in modern society. They haul away trash and debris. They transport materials to construction sites. But, due to their large size, they can often be involved in devastating dump truck accidents too. While collisions with pedestrians do occur, the most common dump truck crashes involve another motor vehicle. And, like other accidents, human error is likely a driving factor in these preventable incidents.
Truck Driver Actions Leading to Crashes
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and State Police, publishes an annual report on crash facts in the Commonwealth. For collisions involving a large truck in 2022, the most common truck driver actions included: 
- Improper lane change
- Following too close
- Improper turn
- Hit and run
- Speed too fast
- Avoiding another vehicle
- Failure to yield
Other Causes of Dump Truck Accidents
Car accidents with dump trucks can happen almost anywhere, but these commercial vehicles are most frequently near construction sites, as well as by dumpsters in residential and commercial areas. Human error is often to blame for these crashes. Common reasons include:
- Truck driver feels rushed and fails to exercise due care
- Failure to follow traffic laws, like street signs and red lights
- Limited or poor visibility, like while backing up
- Distracted or careless driving
- Poorly trained dump truck drivers
- Defective vehicle equipment
- Lack of maintenance or repairs
- Road issues, like potholes
- Tip-over accidents due to imbalanced load in the dump truck box
- Rollover accidents from turning too quickly
- Flying debris from an improperly secured load
Steps to Take After a Dump Truck Crash
To protect your legal rights and improve your chances of a positive outcome, take these steps at the scene of a dump truck accident.
- Remain calm and don’t give in to road rage.
- Pull over and out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Don’t say anything that implies you accept responsibility or blame.
- Seek emergency medical care for your injuries.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Document the accident scene with photos and written notes.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Contact a Virginia truck accident lawyer.
Continue your vigilance in the days following the truck crash by following these steps.
- Seek proper ongoing medical care.
- Report the accident to your auto insurance company.
- Don’t negotiate with the trucking company or other insurer on your own.
- Consult your lawyer about what to do next.
- Provide your lawyer with all the evidence and information you’ve gathered so far.
Possible Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you were in a car accident with a dump truck, you may be able to seek damages. Virginia is an “at-fault” insurance state—this means you have the right to file a claim for compensation from the party whose negligence caused the crash. In a dump truck accident, it may be the truck driver, the vehicle owner, the trucking company, or other possible parties.
Your claim damages could include:
- Current medical bills, like fixing a broken bone
- Cost to repair or replace the damaged vehicle
- Loss of current income and wages
- Anticipated future medical expenses, such as therapy for permanent disabilities
- Reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional damage
- Punitive damages
- Funeral and burial expenses in the case of wrongful death
Consult a skilled Virginia car accident attorney to calculate what fair compensation may look like. The team at the Mottley Law Firm is eager to advocate for your justice.
Skilled Legal Guidance to Protect Your Rights
Our Richmond car accident lawyers know how to handle “David vs. Goliath” cases with high stakes, and we’re prepared to manage a wide range of personal injury cases. Accidents involving dump trucks and other commercial vehicles are often quite complex. It can be overwhelming for victims to know what to do next while still nursing their injuries.
Our team is motivated to ensure clients get the justice they deserve, even when facing off against large companies and organizations. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a dump truck, speak with our compassionate legal team to protect your legal rights.
