Legal Guidance for Victims of Dump Truck Accidents in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County is one of the fastest-growing countries in Georgia, so a lot of businesses are moving to the area. Because of this significant expansion, there is a lot of construction going on, which means there are dump trucks present on many local roads. Unfortunately, this also means the chances of dump truck accidents occurring have significantly increased.

If you were injured in an auto accident involving a dump truck, a qualified truck accident attorney may be able to help. Get in touch with a Gwinnett County dump truck accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options and start pursuing compensation.

Common Causes and Compensable Injuries

The most common causes of dump truck accidents in Gwinnett County are following too closely, improper reversing and/or left-hand turns, and various other forms of driver negligence such as distracted driving, substance abuse, or driving beyond allowed hours. In some cases, a mechanical failure or road defect may prevent the truck from stopping in time, and in other cases negligence by a trucking company may play a role—for example, failing to enforce safety regulations, inappropriate training, and hiring people who are not qualified to operate construction equipment.

Due to their size and weight, especially when they are carrying a full load, dump truck accidents may cause injuries ranging in severity from minor cuts, bruises, and concussions to traumatic brain and spine damage, severe burns, and limb amputation. A Gwinnett County dump truck wreck attorney could file suit based on any one of these injuries, provided they can prove on a plaintiff’s behalf that the truck’s driver or operating company was legally negligent.

Unique Aspects of Dump Truck Cases

A dump truck accident case can change based on the type of substance being carried by the truck. Each substance in the back of the truck creates unique challenges for the driver—some loads are heavier than others, and others may shift differently during transport. The driver has to adjust for what they are carrying, and if they fail to do so appropriately, it could serve as evidence of legal negligence.

Following a dump truck accident, an insurance adjuster also has to account for liability, though they often do so with the intention of avoiding it entirely. Accordingly, they may focus obsessively on determining fault, which usually involves identifying what the driver was doing and what their intentions were, what route the driver was taking, whether any mechanical difficulties were present, and of course what ultimately caused the crash.

Recoverable Damages

After dump truck accidents, ensuing civil cases typically center around economic damages, which may include medical bills, pharmacy bills, physical therapy, doctor bills, and even charges for a counselor in the event of any psychological harm stemming from an accident. It is also important to consider noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium with family members, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Future damages may be recoverable as well, such as the costs associated with long-term medical treatment and loss of earning capacity. Punitive damages are available in rare cases, but only if the plaintiff can demonstrate the defendant displayed a willful and wanton disregard for their safety far above just standard negligence. A dump truck accident lawyer in Gwinnett County could work with an individual plaintiff to determine the damages available to them in their particular case.

Talk to a Gwinnett County Dump Truck Attorney Today

Dump trucks provide essential services during construction, but they can also be extremely dangerous when handled or operated in a negligent manner. If you suffered injuries due to a dump truck driver’s negligence or that of their employer, consider reaching out to a Gwinnett County dump truck lawyer to see whether you might be able to file suit and seek civil compensation.

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.