Construction Vehicle Accident Attorneys
It is not uncommon to see heavy and bulky construction vehicles in Columbia. The city is growing, and new homes, subdivisions, and strip malls are being added. Crews are also busy repairing and improving some roadways while expanding others. There is no shortage of construction happening in this bustling and vibrant city.
Unfortunately, with advancement and growth comes the potential for accidents. Collisions with large construction vehicles are supremely dangerous and can significantly alter the course of a victim’s life. At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we have seen the consequences of these types of disasters and understand the physical and financial pain that accident victims go through.
At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we believe that no victim should have to endure the burden of recovery alone. If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a construction vehicle accident, you deserve full and fair compensation. We can aggressively fight to protect your rights during this difficult time and work diligently towards holding the negligent driver accountable for their actions.
If you are ready to talk about your situation, contact us today by calling (803) 350-9230. You can speak with an experienced Columbia truck accident attorney about your case and schedule a free, no-obligation, legal consultation.
Common Causes of Construction Vehicle Accidents
Construction vehicles are necessary tools that help workers complete large and sometimes dangerous jobs. These vehicles are usually heavy pieces of machinery that are built and designed for a specific purpose. Construction equipment is not made to cruise down the interstate or drive through residential neighborhoods. Operating construction vehicles around other drivers can be dangerous, and often, a collision between a heavy construction vehicle and an ordinary driver can be catastrophic.
There are numerous factors that can play into a construction vehicle accident. Some of the most common sources of these types of serious collisions can include:
- Lack of driver training: Construction vehicles don’t operate like normal cars or trucks. They can be specialized pieces of heavy equipment that require extensive training to operate properly. An inexperienced driver behind the wheel of one of these massive vehicles is a safety hazard. These inexperienced drivers can cause serious accidents by colliding with other drivers and pedestrians.
- Lack of supervision: All construction sites require experienced supervisors watching out for safety hazards and ensuring that all construction vehicle operators and drivers are following safety guidelines as outlined by the construction company and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. Without oversight and constant communication between drivers and construction crews, accidents can happen.
- Negligent hiring practices: Construction companies have a duty to hire qualified individuals to fill the role of construction vehicle drivers and operators. Not conducting a thorough interview or background check can result in a company hiring a grossly unqualified candidate. All drivers or operators must have the proper license, training, and experience to handle a construction vehicle. Drives should also have a clean driving record.
- Operating in an unsafe environment: Construction vehicles can weigh upwards of several tons. These giant vehicles must be driven in environments that can handle their weight and height. Narrow roads, crumbling roads, roads with low overpasses, areas prone to sinkholes, or environments with steep grades should be avoided. A vehicle that is too heavy or too tall for the given environment can endanger other motorists and cause significant accidents.
- Maintenance issues or mechanical defects: Large construction vehicles require almost constant maintenance and upkeep. Failure to perform maintenance or regular safety inspections can render these vehicles unsafe to operate and pose a danger to other drivers. Similarly, defective parts or equipment or mechanical defects in the vehicle may also cause unfortunate accidents.
- Cargo or load issues: Many construction vehicles are required to transport cargo, materials, or heavy loads to and from locations around the job site and even to other areas. Improperly securing this cargo can be hazardous to other drivers and pedestrians. Cargo that is not loaded correctly or that exceeds the weight limits can come loose or make maneuvering the vehicle more challenging.
- Driving while impaired: Unfortunately, even while on a worksite and while operating heavy machinery, some drivers put their own lives and the lives of others at risk by operating their vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Construction Vehicles Typically Involved in Construction Accidents
The area in and around a construction site can be challenging to navigate. There can be changes in traffic patterns, changes in speed limits, traffic jams, and the constant back and forth of large and heavy construction vehicles. These vehicles can be difficult to maneuver, have multiple blind spots, and are typically not designed to be able to travel easily on roads designed for trucks and smaller passenger vehicles.
The size, shape, and weight of these working machines can pose challenges for operators. Some of the construction vehicles that are typically involved in serious accidents include:
- Mixing trucks
- Dump trucks
- Forklifts
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Road graders
- Excavators
- Bucket loaders
Injuries Involved in Construction Vehicle Accidents
Whenever heavy construction vehicles come into close proximity with other drivers, accidents can happen. Regrettably, when this occurs, it is usually the driver and passengers of the smaller vehicle that end up paying the price. Construction vehicles can weigh several tons. Colliding with something that enormous can cause debilitating injures to the victims of the accident. These injuries can significantly alter a person’s quality of life and leave them unable to work or enjoy life as they once had. Accidents of this type can also result in death.
Severe injuries can cost a person more than their physical health. The cost associated with medical expenses following a serious accident can be astronomical. Factor in continued care for the lasting consequences of some of the most traumatic types of injuries, and an individual could easily find their financial stability in jeopardy.
Some of the most common injuries involved in large scale construction accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Other head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Chemical burns
- Burns
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death
Liability for a Construction Vehicle Accident
When establishing liability for an accident, it can be easy for drivers to point the finger at each other. Typically, an insurance company will investigate and assign liability to the drivers responsible for causing the collision. South Carolina is an at-fault state, which means that the person that caused the accident is the person that is financially responsible for the resulting harm they inflicted. However, construction vehicle accidents can be much more complicated, and the driver may not be the only one responsible. Liability may fall to one or more parties, and it can take an intensive investigation to get to the heart of who is responsible for a victim’s expenses.
Exactly who may be held responsible for a construction accident? One or more of the following parties could bear some liability in causing a serious crash and paying compensation to the victims impacted by the collision:
- The construction vehicle driver or operator: It is the driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. In the event of an accident, the driver’s actions will be closely scrutinized to determine how their actions played into the resulting crash.
- The construction company: The constriction company itself may also be liable for damages if their negligence played a role in the accident. If they failed to properly conduct safety inspections on the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver, or did not provide proper training to drivers and operators, they may be held accountable for their actions.
- A manufacturer or third–party: If a defective part or mechanical failure is to blame for causing an accident, the manufacturer of that faulty part can often be held liable for the resulting accident.
One or multiple parties could end up ultimately being liable for causing a serious accident. A complete investigation into the circumstances of the crash may be the only way to gather the evidence needed to prove liability and recover full and fair compensation. These investigations need to take place quickly and efficiently before crucial evidence is lost or even destroyed.
If you have questions following a significant South Carolina construction vehicle accident, turn to the experienced legal team at Goings Law Firm, LLC for help. We can review your situation, investigate the accident, and negotiate on your behalf for the compensation that you deserve.
Contact a Columbia Construction Accident Attorney Today
Being involved in a construction vehicle accident is frightening. The physical and financial challenges that you may face in the coming days, weeks, and months can be overwhelming. That is why the experienced legal team at Goings Law Firm, LLC is ready to take your side. We can work with you to establish liability for the accident and then hold those responsible accountable for their actions. That means we are committed to helping you get the full and fair amount of compensation that you deserve.
If you have questions and want to talk to an experienced attorney, call our office at (803) 350-9230. We want to talk to you and help you move forward with exploring your legal options for recovering compensation.
