Cement trucks transport heavy, wet product to construction sites throughout Philadelphia daily. The churning drum of these large trucks mixes the concrete until it reaches its destination.
Due to their large size, weight, and moving parts, cement trucks require qualified drivers for operation. One reckless move behind the wheel can cause a driver to lose control, placing other road users at risk for harm.
If you or a close loved one suffered severe injuries, a Philadelphia truck accident lawyer may be able to help you. A lawyer can put his knowledge, experience, and skills to work fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Philadelphia Cement Truck Accidents and Negligence
Drivers and truck maintenance are core issues.
Cement truck drivers have a responsibility to maintain control of their trucks. Drivers and the companies they represent must regularly inspect trucks and repair known hazards.
Philadelphia city streets are no place for driver error or unsafe cement trucks. A commercial truck driver, a cement company, or perhaps both may face liability for your accident if negligence was the core cause.
Cement Truck Driver Negligence
Cement truck drivers operate trucks with a rotating drum that keeps the cement mixed and wet until it reaches a job site. This responsibility leaves no room for the following reckless actions:
- Distracted driving: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites three primary forms of distraction: visual (removing eyes from the road), manual (removing hands from the wheel), and cognitive (removing the mind from driving task).
- Drunk driving: Pennsylvania commercial truck drivers face severe consequences for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .04 percent or higher.
- Sleep-deprived driving: A lack of rest or undiagnosed sleep disorder can cause a driver to drift to sleep and into another road user.
- Aggressive driving: Timely delivery of wet cement is critical for the completion of concrete projects. Speeding, tailgating, or acts of road rage place everyone at risk for severe harm.
Cement Truck Maintenance
Negligence is sometimes present in the maintenance of cement truck parts and mechanics. A failure to regularly inspect, repair, or replace the following conditions can result in a tragic cement truck accident:
- Worn tires: A blown tire can cause a driver to lose control of their cement truck within seconds.
- Faulty brakes: The inability to stop creates a hazard for all road users, no matter a cement truck’s speed.
- Malfunctioning drum: A mechanical issue with a truck’s cement drum can result in leakage or other dangerous outcomes.
A fully loaded cement truck can weigh as much as 66,000 pounds. This impressive weight reinforces the need for safe drivers and trucks.
The damages you suffered from a cement truck accident are stressful and challenging. Life-altering changes caused by negligence demand justice.
Even if the liable parties responsible for your accident face criminal charges, you may still pursue a civil case. Cement truck lawyers understand Pennsylvania civil law and can help you fight for compensation and accountability.
You do not have to fight your case alone. Help is available if you need a lawyer for your Philadelphia cement truck accident.
Cement trucks are dangerous to others when operated recklessly or with unsafe parts. Victims of cement truck negligence have a right to fight for compensation for their damages. Contact The Cochran Firm today for a free consultation.
Cement Truck Accident Damages
Damages are often massive and always unfair.
The traumatic force of a cement truck accident can leave you with multiple damages. Once you receive medical attention, the reality of your situation can hit you hard.
A long recovery or permanent disability is typically financially, emotionally, and psychologically difficult. While compensation cannot return your life to how it was before the accident, it can possibly serve the following needs:
- Immediate medical costs, including emergency transport, hospital, and doctor fees
- Expenses relating to long-term care, such as rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility
- Lost wages due to a lengthy recovery from severe injuries
- Potential income if you are unable to return to your previous job
- Mental anguish for your pain and suffering.
A Philadelphia cement truck accident is a frightening event that changes your life. Building a strong case for compensation takes time. It is vital that you seek a free consultation as soon as possible from a reputable civil law firm.
Why Choose The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia
Your cement truck accident damages deserve strong representation.
A Philadelphia cement truck accident turns your world upside down in an instant. Your daily routines stop as you deal with severe injuries, mounting medical costs, and an inability to work.
When an accident results from negligence, victims deserve someone in their corner who will fight for them. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a long-standing tradition of representing victims harmed by the careless actions of others.
Each member of our team is caring and compassionate. From the front desk to your lawyer’s desk, we put you at ease with our calming demeanor. At the same time, insurance companies fear meeting us in court. Our strong litigation skills cause most insurance companies to offer a fair settlement outside court.
There is no way to predict the outcome of your case. However, a cement truck accident lawyer from The Cochran Firm will work hard to secure the best possible outcome.
How We Help Victims of Cement Truck Accidents
We dig deep to find answers and to identify negligence.
Severe injuries leave accident victims in no condition to conduct their own investigation. At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, we get to work in the following ways:
- Interviewing witnesses: The sooner we interview witnesses, the better. As time passes, witnesses forget details vital for your case.
- Other accident reports: An official police report detailing the accident and identifying fault is helpful information. Other important types of information are medical reports and media coverage.
- Visit the accident scene: Accident photographs and video are often valuable tools. Some cases may involve a visit to the actual accident scene, something most victims do not want to relive.
From paperwork to court filings, The Cochran Firm helps cement truck accident victims with their civil cases. Amid the legal details, we never lose sight of the fact our clients are dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
If you seek a cement truck accident attorney who can professionally manage your case and treat you with the respect you deserve, contact us today.
Cement Truck Accidents FAQs
A Philadelphia cement truck accident attorney answers the following frequently asked questions regarding cement truck accidents:
What is the difference between a cement truck claim and a lawsuit?
A claim is typically the first step in the civil process. If your attorney deems it necessary to bypass the negotiation phase, they will take your case to court with a lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a cement truck accident lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law allows two years for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. The two-year period begins at the moment of injury. This makes it imperative to secure legal representation as soon as possible.
What happens if I accept a cement truck accident settlement?
Accepting a settlement without an attorney places you at risk of receiving less than you deserve. An attorney protects your best interests and fights for fair compensation.
How much does a cement truck accident attorney cost?
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia works on a contingency fee basis. We collect our fee when we win your case. If for some reason we do not secure compensation for you, you owe no legal fees.
If my loved one dies from their cement truck accident injuries, can I sue?
If a close loved one dies at the scene or sometime later from their injuries, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit. A Philadelphia wrongful death attorney can help you learn more.
Court deadlines are serious matters. There are generally no further options once the statute of limitations expires. Do not miss your chance for justice. Get the answer to your questions by scheduling a free case consultation today.
Philadelphia Cement Truck Accident Lawyers
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia believes no victims of negligence should pay for their own damages. We proudly help cement truck accident victims by standing up to insurance companies and their lawyers.
Philadelphia is a bustling city with many construction projects that require cement. Sharing a city street with a cement truck is inevitable for all road users. It takes just one careless driver or unsafe truck to change another person’s life forever.
Insurance companies seek to protect their best interests. Accident victims should never settle for less than they deserve. If you suffered severe harm or lost a close loved one due to a cement truck accident, get help from our firm today.
Contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for your free consultation. Call us at (800) 969-4400. Let us put our experience and skills to work for you. Entrust your Philadelphia cement truck accident case to The Cochran Firm and rest easier knowing your case is in good hands.