(845) 802-0047Dump trucks are heavy commercial vehicles that transport loads of dirt, gravel, sand, and other materials. Truck operators must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and adhere to federal and state rules and regulations. Crashes can have severe, life-threatening, or deadly consequences for drivers and passengers in much smaller cars.
If you sustained harm because of a negligent trucker or other party related to the industry, you have options and legal rights and may pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Schedule a consultation with a hard-working lawyer, seasoned in cases ranging from dump truck accidents in New York to commercial vehicle collisions, if you need help with a case.
Causes of Dump Truck Crashes
Some typical causes of dump truck crashes include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted dump truck drivers
- Inadequate training or driver inexperience
- Improper loading or securing of cargo causing instability
- Lack of vehicle maintenance or failure to make necessary repairs
- Operator errors, such as recklessness, speeding, impairment, or negligence
- Equipment failure, including brake systems, tire blowouts, or mechanical defects
- Failure to check the truck’s blind spots before switching lanes and other maneuvers
An attorney focused on dump truck crashes in New York could investigate and analyze the evidence to determine the cause and responsible party.
Determining Fault
Determining fault in New York dump truck accidents requires deep investigation, evidence gathering, and review. Some of the primary ways to establish liability include:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and repair records
- Review of the truck’s cargo load at the time of the crash
- Evaluation of the trucker’s behavior, including factors like reckless actions, distractions, or violation of state traffic laws
- Accident reconstruction to analyze evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and other facts leading up to the traffic event
- The police report at the accident scene, which can provide vital information, including witness statements and their determination of fault
Dump truck operators and companies must comply with federal and state trucking regulations, which can indicate fault to collect monetary damages from the liable party.
Tarping Laws and Requirements
State laws regulate the commercial trucking industry, including weight limits, loading and unloading, service hours, maintenance, and covering loose material. According to the guidelines provided by The New York Department of Transportation, state laws prohibit dump trucks from loose dirt or other material blowing or falling from the trucks, which could lead to accidents.
Companies and drivers must ensure they cover the loose material they transport entirely by using a tarp or similar device over the opening to prevent spillage. Tarping regulations promote road and highway safety by preventing debris from escaping and falling on other cars and roadways.
Truckers are responsible for ensuring vehicles, including the tarps, receive regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in good condition to effectively contain the sand, rocks, dirt, mulch, or other loose material. Failure to comply with all guidelines can result in penalties, fines, and liability for damages when an accident occurs because uncovered material falls from the bed.
Call an Attorney Experienced With New York Dump Truck Accidents For Help With Your Case Today
Crashes involving dump trucks and passenger cars, pedestrians, or cyclists are often severe or deadly. Therefore, drivers and the companies they work for must ensure compliance with traffic and safety laws to prevent avoidable accidents and harm to others.
You could be eligible for compensation if you sustained harm because of someone else’s carelessness. Schedule a meeting with a qualified lawyer skilled in cases resulting from dump truck accidents in New York today.