California Dump Truck Accident Lawyer

Garbage or dump trucks are types of “heavy equipment” used in the sanitation and waste management industries to keep communities in California clean. It is up to those who own and operate dump trucks to ensure the safety of the equipment, drivers, and routes. Any act of negligence when it comes to dump truck management or operation could result in a deadly collision.

Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is your source for outstanding legal services after a dump truck accident in Los Angeles or Riverside Counties. We have decades of experience, a long track record of success across multiple practice areas, and an unparalleled commitment to justice. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after a collision with a dump truck, don’t hesitate to contact us today! (877) 800-1700 You can discuss your options during a free consultation with an attorney.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dump Truck Accidents?

After a dump truck accident, one of the first questions to ask yourself as an injured victim is, “How did my accident happen?” Your answer will generally point to the person or entity liable (legally responsible) for the wreck. You can then file a claim against this entity or his/her insurance company in pursuit of full compensation for your damages. The following are common causes and parties responsible for California garbage truck crashes:

• Driver negligence. Dump truck drivers may become overly preoccupied with picking up trash cans or other parts of their jobs to pay enough attention to the roadway. They may also drive drunk, drowsy, or distracted while on the job. These common acts of driver negligence cause hundreds of dump truck wrecks each year – including collisions with pedestrians.
• Faulty or defective equipment. The integrity of heavy equipment is crucial to the safety of operations. A defective vehicle part could mean life or death to those involved in a resultant accident. Dump truck manufacturers may be liable for equipment failures that cause injuries, or else the company in charge of maintaining the truck or equipment.
• Unsafe roadways. Sometimes, it is California roadways that contribute to garbage truck accidents. A truck may hit a pothole or other roadway defect that causes it to swerve into another lane. In other cases, a malfunctioning stoplight may lead to an intersection accident. Unsafe roadways generally point to city negligence and liability.

You may need a police investigation of your crash to pinpoint the exact cause. For example, you might believe that a negligent dump truck driver crashed into you, when really he or she was experiencing a brake failure. This could point to the part manufacturer or truck maintenance crew negligence instead of the individual driver. The sooner you contact the police and/or an attorney for assistance after a dump truck crash, the better for your case.

What to Do After a Dump Truck Wreck in California?

If you believe someone else owes you money for your dump truck accident in California, take steps to protect your rights to file a claim. First, call 911 and report the wreck from the scene. Don’t admit fault. Document the crash, taking photographs of all vehicles involved and gathering eyewitness information if you can. Go to the hospital right away after a crash, whether you feel injured or not. Some injuries have delayed symptoms you might not feel right away. Prompt medical care is important to your physical and financial future.

Call the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as you can to report the wreck. If the dump truck driver caused the crash, you will call the company that presides over the truck. This might be the city. A claim against the city has a tighter deadline than typical claims. Contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP right away to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and requirements for filing the very first time. We will walk you through every step of the claims process in California. Call today! (877) 800-1700