Miami Cement Truck Accident Lawyer
Cement trucks–also known as cement mixers–are vehicles used to carry ready-mix concrete to construction sites. These distinctive trucks have a mixing drum on their trailer to keep the concrete from hardening during transport. When fully loaded, cement mixers can weigh upwards of 70,000 pounds on the road.
Given their size and weight, as well as the nature of their cargo, cement trucks create an enormous safety risk for other vehicles and their passengers. Indeed, any mistake or oversight by a cement truck driver can lead to a serious accident. If you have been the victim of such an incident, the Miami cement truck accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, can represent you in seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
How Dangerous Are Cement Trucks?
An accident involving any commercial truck is dangerous. But cement mixers pose a number of unique problems when it comes to safe operation. Here are just a few such problems that often contribute to a crash:
- Instability — Unlike most commercial cargo, the cement inside of a mixer is rotating, which constantly shifts the vehicle’s center of gravity. This makes cement trucks especially prone to rollover accidents when turning or maneuvering, even at relatively low speeds.
- Blind Spots — A cement truck’s rotating drum also obstructs the operator’s view of the rear and sides of the vehicle. So if the driver fails to properly monitor these additional blind spots, they can easily strike another vehicle.
- *Speeding — Ready-mix concrete is a time-sensitive cargo that needs to get to a construction site on schedule. Such time pressure often leads cement truck drivers to rush and ignore necessary safety precautions.
- Rear-end Accidents — Cement trucks are especially prone to rear-end accidents, as the stopping distance required to safely brake is much longer than a passenger car.
- Mechanical Failures — A cement truck is a complex machine with a number of moving parts that need to be properly maintained. A mechanical failure of even a single defective part can lead to a catastrophic breakdown while the cement truck is on the road.
Another complicating factor in cement truck accidents is the number of potential defendants who may be legally and financially liable for the victims’ injuries. Obviously, a negligent cement truck driver can be found at-fault. But the company that owns the truck, as well as the construction company that hired the vehicle, may also be liable. Additionally, if a mechanical failure leads to a cement truck accident, the companies that manufactured, repaired, or inspected the vehicle may also be responsible.
Contact the Miami Cement Truck Accident Lawyers at Pike & Lustig Today
Cement truck accidents frequently cause serious and catastrophic injuries that go beyond the scope of what a Florida driver’s no-fault insurance can cover. In these cases it is important for victims to work with a qualified Miami cement truck accident lawyer who can investigate the circumstances surrounding their crash and take appropriate legal action to secure compensation. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP, today at 561-291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
