California Dump Truck Accident Attorneys

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Experienced Dump Truck Accident Attorneys in California You Can Trust

The daily accidents on California highways can be devastating when a dump truck is involved, resulting in severe injuries, expensive medical bills, loss of income, and emotional suffering. To seek financial reparation, you need legal experts. At Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we’re more than just attorneys. As the leading dump truck accident lawyers in California, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, holding the negligent parties accountable. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation, and let our expertise be your guiding light in these challenging times.

Dump trucks are essential to construction work, which keeps the state moving forward. The construction industry is essential to maintaining a robust physical infrastructure, housing our citizens, and making general progress nationwide. Dump trucks make this critical work possible, being the most common among all the large vehicles that swarm our roadways.

Dump trucks usually have an open bed operated by hydraulics, which allows them to smoothly dump their contents behind or beside them at the point of delivery. These trucks often move large cargos of loose construction materials, including sand, dirt, and gravel. When dump trucks are driven responsibly by appropriately trained and experienced drivers, they safely provide an essential service.

On the other hand, dangerous accidents can happen when the company in charge of the dump truck and its drivers fail to meet their essential responsibilities. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving one, do not delay in consulting with experienced California dump truck accident lawyers.

What Are The Most Common Types of Dump Trucks?

As their name implies, dump trucks use hydraulic systems to dump essential building materials at construction sites. The following are various dump trucks on our highways and byways:
1
Standard Dump Truck
A standard dump truck is the kind you’re probably most used to seeing. It includes a moving bed that’s mounted to the frame. Standard dump trucks have more excellent maneuverability than most other types.
2
Transfer Dump Truck
A transfer dump truck is a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer with a moveable cargo container powered by its electric motor. This setup maximizes payload without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
3
Semi-Trailer End Dump Truck
A semi-trailer end dump truck has a trailer connected to a hydraulic hoist that dumps the load from the trailer’s back, allowing for a considerable payload.
4
Semi-Trailer Bottom Dump Truck
A semi-trailer bottom dump truck is a standard semi with a belly dump on its trailer. This belly dump has a dump gate like a clamshell that opens at the bottom of the trailer and can leave its contents in a linear heap (unlike standard dumping mechanisms).
5
Side Dump Truck
A side dump truck—as the name implies—is a semi-truck that pulls a semitrailer with hydraulic rams that allow it to dump the contents of its trailer either to the right or to the left side, which results in very rapid unloading.

There are many kinds of dump trucks on our roadways, and because of their immense weight, massive size, and the nature of their cargo, they are often associated with serious traffic accidents. If you or a loved one got involved in a collision involving one, our qualified California dump truck accident lawyers at Arash Law can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Trucking Accident
$3,120,000.00
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.
–  Tina Eshghieh

In California, the maximum legal weight for a loaded dump truck (or any commercial vehicle) is determined by a combination of federal and state regulations. A truck’s weight depends on several factors, including its many axles and the spacing between them. Based on the rules provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the maximum weights for a loaded dump truck are:

  • For a single axle, the weight limit is generally 20,000 pounds.
  • For tandem axles (two axles grouped closely together), the limit is typically 34,000 pounds.
  • The overall gross weight limit for most interstate highways in the U.S., including California, is 80,000 pounds for vehicles with a standard configuration.

However, these figures can vary depending on specific conditions and roadway designations. Some roads, bridges, or areas may have different weight restrictions. Also, permits can be obtained for oversized/overweight vehicles, which can change the allowable limits.

Driving an overweight vehicle is a criminal offense and misdemeanor under the California Vehicle Code (CVC). An individual convicted of a misdemeanor may be placed on probation for up to (6) months in county jail and/or fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000).

If you were injured in a dump truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact California dump truck accident lawyers. They know how to successfully determine the offending parties and recover the rightful damages for the injuries you have sustained in the truck crash.

What Is The Payload Capacity of Dump Trucks in California?

Based on the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the payload capacity of a dump truck in California depends on several factors, including the truck’s specifications, type, and axle configurations. Federal and state regulations set California’s weight limits, considering the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and axle limits.

Typically, in California, a three-axle truck can carry a maximum of 15 tons or 30,000 pounds, while a truck with a trailer, depending on the number of axles, might carry up to 80,000 pounds under federal regulations. However, certain conditions, permits, or routes can alter these weights.

Dump Truck Loads – The Heavier, The More Dangerous

Dump trucks play an essential role in construction work, but its primary function is to make repeated hauls. Dump truck drivers are mainly paid by the weight of their haul and the number of hauls they can complete in a day. The pressure brought by this system to the drivers leads to inherent dangers that make dump truck accidents much more likely, including the following instances:
  • Being paid by the weight of one’s load incentivizes truckers to overload their dump trucks.
  • The heavier the dump truck, the more difficult it is to maneuver safely and the longer it takes to bring it to a safe stop. Both of these factors can contribute to dangerous accidents.
  • Overloaded dump trucks are more likely to roll over in accidents.
  • Overloaded dump trucks are more likely to release dangerous debris on the roadway, which can strike cars and lead to hazardous accidents.
  • Being paid by the number of runs made per day incentivizes dump truck drivers to fit in as many hauls as possible. This can lead to speeding and other reckless behaviors and driving while exhausted.

Dump trucks and their drivers are held to the same exacting standards as big-rig trucks and their drivers. The nuances of these regulations are highly complicated, making accidents involving these large vehicles more challenging. If you are injured in such an accident, you need the professional legal counsel of skilled California dump truck lawyers.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
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What Are Some Causes of Dump Truck Accidents?

Dump trucks are massive vehicles used to haul loose construction materials, including sand, gravel, and concrete. Because they can haul a tremendous amount of weight, dump trucks are among the heaviest vehicles on our roads and are, thus, involved in some of the deadliest accidents. Certain physical qualities related to dump trucks make them more prone to dangerous accidents:

  • Dump trucks sit higher off the ground than other vehicles, putting them at greater risk of dangerous underride accidents.
  • Dump trucks have massive blind spots or no-zones around them. This makes passing dump trucks or driving near them much more dangerous (the truck driver can’t see you when your vehicle enters one of its no-zones).
  • The construction of dump trucks leaves them with a high center of gravity in the dumper section. A relatively light trailer can lead to physical imbalances, causing unintended movement and even rollovers.

Because dump trucks are intended to dump their loads, some deadly accidents are caused when loads are dumped inadvertently or prematurely.

Who Is Responsible for Dump Truck Accidents?

Who Is Responsible for Dump Truck Accidents?

Every dump truck accident is caused by its own unique set of circumstances. Nevertheless, several significant factors often play a role in these dangerous incidents.
1
Dump Truck Driver’s Negligence
When a dump truck driver is negligent, they endanger everyone on the road. These truckers are professional drivers who must adhere to stringent regulations during their work. When they fail to do this, they are negligent and are likely to be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a result. Dump truck drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drive while distracted or tired, or disregard posted traffic signs and signals are far more likely to cause serious, often deadly, accidents.
2
Poorly Maintained Equipment
Federal and state regulations require that dump trucks be maintained in good working order. This entails regular maintenance. When the construction company fails to keep a dump truck in safe working order, it can lead to deadly accidents. These companies are responsible for sending out road-worthy dump trucks, and they can be held legally accountable when failing to do so leads to an accident.
3
Manufacture Faults or Defects
Heavy equipment like dump trucks must be manufactured with utmost integrity. When a manufacturer sends out an unsafe, unstable, unreliable, or otherwise dangerous machine, it can be liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
4
Unsafe Road Conditions
California’s cities are generally responsible for keeping their roadways reasonably safe. For instance, a fully loaded dump truck hitting a nasty pothole can cause incredible damage. Conversely, if the dump truck swerves to avoid the unexpected obstacle, it represents another obvious danger on the roadway. Malfunctioning traffic lights and signals can also lead to dangerous dump truck crashes. The city’s negligence can be cited in the legal claim in such commercial accidents.
Dump truck accidents don’t always take place on our roadways. Accidents at worksites are not uncommon because these vehicles are tasked with unloading heavy loads at these construction sites.

What to Do if You Are Injured in A California Dump Truck Accident

You undoubtedly feel overwhelmed if you are injured in a California dump truck accident. However, some basic steps are extremely helpful to know.
1
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you were seriously injured in the accident. Some injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain, and spinal cord injuries, don’t show symptoms until they become more severe and difficult to treat. Remember that early diagnosis is very closely associated with improved prognosis, so always err on caution.
2
Understand Your Role – Do Not Admit Fault and Write A Journal

If you are in a dump truck accident, it’s essential to understand your role as you move forward. You will hear from an insurance adjuster, but remember that you are not obligated to give a formal, recorded statement. Dedicated California dump truck accident lawyers are prepared to deal with them on your behalf.

Furthermore, do not admit fault regarding the accident. Your attorney will help determine who is to blame, and even if you are partially at fault, it does not mean you can’t collect your damages.

Finally, write down everything you can remember about the accident in as much detail as possible soon after it happened. In this way, you can preserve as much important information as possible before the stress of the situation plays tricks with your memories. This document can prove invaluable as your case progresses.

3
Contact The Best Dump Truck Accident Lawyers California Trusts
The sooner you consult with capable California dump truck accident attorneys, the better protected you and your legal claim will be. Speak with the best dump truck accident lawyers California relies on as soon as possible to know how to proceed with your claim. Such claims are complicated. The sooner your skilled attorney begins attending to your case, the better and faster they are to gather and preserve evidence, collect eyewitness testimony, carefully research the accident details, and build a compelling case.

Dump Truck Accidents and Insurance Companies

Because dump truck accidents are often so severe, they can involve millions of dollars in damages. Insurance companies are in the business of making enormous profits, so they invest their significant resources in avoiding gigantic payouts. In other words, they are not on your side.

In fact, insurance companies will make attempts immediately after an accident to disprove liability. This is a problem since your ability to recover fully on your damages is crucial to move forward toward a full recovery. Thankfully, your dedicated dump truck accident attorneys in California will skillfully advocate for your rights and demand fair compensation by negotiating with the insurance adjusters.

The Statute of Limitations – The Deadline of Pursuing A Dump Truck Accident Claim in California

If you want to file claims for a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit in California, you must start the process immediately. You only have two years to file an injury claim from the accident date. If you bring a lawsuit beyond the specified period, the judge will likely dismiss your case.

Exceptions to The California Statute of Limitations

Like other states, California has provided several extensions to the deadline for bringing accident lawsuits. Some exceptions significantly lessen the timeframe, while others make it longer. Therefore, speaking with knowledgeable California dump truck accident lawyers is advisable to determine how much time you have to take action.

An exemption to the general rule is filing a case against governmental organizations. If you are dealing with the municipality or a governmental agency for personal injury cases, you have a shorter time—only six months—to file your claims. After conducting an internal investigation, the government has 45 days to decide whether to grant the request.

If they reject the request, the claimant has six months from the date of mailing of the denial letter to bring a formal lawsuit. On the other hand, the ordinary statute of limitations of two years applies if the claimant never learns of the refusal.

If the process is too complicated for you, don’t worry; we got your back. Our legal team at Arash Law is here to safeguard your rights and assist you in pursuing the settlement you deserve. Our California dump truck accident lawyers have decades of experience handling personal injury cases successfully.

If A Dump Truck Accident Leaves You Injured, Contact An Experienced California Injury Attorney

Dump truck accidents are exceedingly dangerous, and if such an accident leaves you or your loved one injured, the esteemed Arash Khorsandi Esq. and his dedicated legal team at Arash Law are here to help.

Our proficient and award-winning dump truck accident lawyers in California have the knowledge, skill, and compassion to fight for the best possible resolution of your compensation claim. We are here to help 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-risk consultation.