Cement trucks, which often weigh over 25 tons when fully loaded, present unique risks on the road. Their high centers of gravity, limited maneuverability, and large blind spots make them especially dangerous when operated negligently.
Our cement truck accident lawyer in Naperville assists victims with pursuing compensation through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we bring 75 years of combined experience to every case and have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Our truck accident lawyer in Naperville can help identify who is responsible and hold them accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
Why Cement Trucks Are So Hazardous
Cement trucks are inherently more dangerous than standard vehicles because of their design and purpose. These vehicles are not just larger but also carry rotating drums that affect their stability.
The risk factors associated with cement trucks include:
- Weight and size: A fully loaded cement truck weighs significantly more than a passenger car, amplifying the force of impact during a collision.
- High center of gravity: The rotating drum that keeps cement from hardening makes the vehicle top-heavy, increasing its risk of tipping over, especially on sharp turns or uneven roads.
- Limited visibility: Cement trucks have large blind spots around the vehicle, making it harder for drivers to see nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.
These risks are compounded when drivers or trucking companies fail to follow proper safety protocols. Even small errors, such as taking a turn too quickly or failing to check blind spots, can lead to catastrophic consequences.
A Naperville personal injury lawyer from our firm can investigate your accident and build your claim against a liable party.
How Negligence Causes Cement Truck Accidents
Cement truck accidents often result from negligence, either on the part of the driver, the trucking company, or third parties. These crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, including operational errors, unsafe driving behaviors, and external conditions.
Some of the most common causes of cement truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using onboard technology can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Improper loading: Cement trucks must be loaded evenly to prevent instability. Overloaded or improperly balanced drums can cause rollovers or spills.
- Speeding or reckless driving: Operating a cement truck at high speeds reduces the driver’s ability to stop or maneuver safely, especially in traffic or near intersections.
- Mechanical failures due to lack of maintenance: Poor maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that make the vehicle uncontrollable.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained roads can destabilize cement trucks, increasing the risk of accidents.
Each of these causes highlights the importance of proper training, maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations. When these responsibilities are ignored, innocent victims often suffer serious consequences.
Liability in Cement Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a cement truck accident often involves multiple parties. Each party’s actions or negligence must be carefully examined to establish responsibility for the crash.
Liability may rest with:
- The truck driver: Drivers are legally required to operate their vehicles safely. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible.
- The trucking company: Companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and maintaining their fleet of vehicles. Negligence in any of these areas can make the company liable for an accident.
- Other drivers: In some situations, another motorist’s reckless or negligent behavior may contribute to the collision. For example, a driver cutting off a cement truck or failing to yield may share liability.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other hazards may make a government agency partially responsible for the crash.
Investigating a cement truck accident requires collecting evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and black box data from the truck, to determine who should be held accountable.
How Our Naperville Cement Truck Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we use a detailed, step-by-step approach to build strong claims for victims of cement truck accidents. Our process includes:
- Investigating the accident scene: We review police reports, analyze photos, and examine all available evidence to determine what caused the crash.
- Gathering evidence: Our team collects key evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records, to establish liability.
- Working with experts: We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic experts to demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your life.
- Calculating damages: Our team carefully evaluates all economic and non-economic damages, from medical expenses to pain and suffering, ensuring that your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle all communication and negotiations to pursue a fair settlement.
If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Naperville Cement Truck Collision Attorneys Work on Contingency
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Naperville cement truck collision attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs for legal representation.
We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This approach allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal expenses.
Types of Damages in Cement Truck Accident Cases
Victims of cement truck accidents in Naperville may be eligible to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. These are measurable financial losses that directly result from the accident.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical toll of the crash, such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life. Our team works to calculate the full extent of your losses to pursue fair compensation.
Contact Us for Help From Our Naperville Cement Truck Accident Attorneys
Cement truck accidents often leave victims facing severe injuries and financial burdens. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are dedicated to helping victims seek justice and recover compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.
