It’s common for residents of Texas to see cement trucks on the road. Although these trucks are usually safe, they can be in accidents that can prove devastating for injured victims.
Why are accidents with cement trucks so serious?
Cement trucks are huge and carry loads of up to 40,000 pounds of wet cement. The design of the truck is also complex with the rotating barrel to hold the cement. The truck’s center of gravity is in that area, which makes it very dangerous if an accident occurs with a regular vehicle. In addition to the weight and size of these trucks, an accident can also result in the wet cement spilling out. If that happens, it can have deadly consequences for vehicles behind the cement truck.
What kind of injuries are common in a cement truck accident?
Injuries sustained in a cement truck accident can be catastrophic and disabling. In the worst-case scenario, a person can die after a crash. The following are the most common types of injuries stemming from an accident with a cement truck:
- Amputations
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burn injuries
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Individuals who suffer injuries after an accident involving a cement truck or those who have lost a loved one after such an accident have the right to recover compensation. However, it’s important to know who the responsible party is when filing a lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault party could be the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer or a mechanic.
Being careful when sharing the road with a cement truck can reduce the risk of an accident. Give plenty of room between your vehicle and the truck and avoid blind spots at all times. Never cut off a truck, and always remain alert.