You were just driving. Maybe heading to work, picking up the kids, or running an errand nothing out of the ordinary. Then, out of nowhere, a cement truck slams into you.
Now your car is wrecked. Your body hurts. And your mind won’t stop racing.
“How bad is this?”
“What if I can’t work?”
“Who’s going to pay for all of this?”
Cement trucks aren’t like regular cars or even regular trucks. They’re heavy, hard to stop, and dangerous when something goes wrong. And when they do, it’s people like you who pay the price. But here’s the frustrating part: trucking companies and their insurance providers will do everything they can to protect themselves, not you.
That’s where we come in. As experienced Burbank truck accident lawyers, we know the tactics they use to delay, deny, and downplay your claim. We fight to make sure you get what you’re owed for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and everything else this accident has taken from you.
You didn’t cause this. You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone. Let’s talk. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win. Call now and let’s get started.
What Makes Cement Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Big Trucks, Big Impact
Cement trucks are not your average commercial vehicles. They are heavy trucks designed to carry tons of liquid cement, and when they crash into a passenger vehicle, the results are often severe injuries or worse. A fully loaded cement truck can weigh more than ten times heavier than a car, meaning even a low-speed impact can cause serious damage.
Picture this: You’re at a stoplight in Burbank, waiting for the light to change. A cement truck driver, distracted or in a hurry, doesn’t slow down in time. The next thing you know, you’re hit from behind in a rear-end collision. Your car is totaled, and you’re left dealing with medical care, lost wages, and a long recovery.
Prone to Rollovers
Cement trucks have a high center of gravity, which makes them unstable. When drivers take sharp turns or brake suddenly, these commercial trucks can tip over, crushing anything in their path. This is especially dangerous on Burbank’s busy streets, where a truck rolling onto its side can cause pileups, severe injuries, or even fatalities.
In one case, a cement truck took a turn too fast near a popular trucking route, tipping over and spilling its load onto oncoming traffic. Passenger cars were trapped beneath the truck’s weight, leading to catastrophic injuries for multiple drivers.
Unsecured Loads & Cement Spills
Unlike other types of trucks, cement mixers carry cargo that never stops moving. If the drum isn’t secured properly or malfunctions, the wet cement can spill onto the road, creating slippery conditions that lead to more truck crashes.
There have been cases where a spilled load caused a multi-car accident, with non-truck drivers losing control on the slick road surface. These spills make it even harder for emergency responders to reach victims in time, leading to longer recovery times and more severe injuries.
Poor Maintenance Leads to Brake Failures & Mechanical Issues
Cement trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe, but some trucking companies skip necessary repairs to keep their vehicles on the road longer. Failing brakes, worn-out tires, and faulty hydraulics can turn a cement truck into a ticking time bomb.
A Burbank truck accident made headlines when a cement truck barreled through a red light, crashing into multiple vehicles. Investigators later found that the truck’s brakes had failed due to poor maintenance. The trucking company had ignored multiple warnings about the issue. The truck accident victims in this case filed a personal injury lawsuit and won a fair compensation settlement for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Common Causes of Cement Truck Crashes
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Cement truck drivers are often on tight schedules, rushing to deliver their load before the cement hardens. This pressure leads to speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving, putting non-truck drivers at risk.
In a recent case, a cement truck accident lawyer represented a family hit by a speeding truck that ran a stop sign. The truck driver had been pushing past legal limits to complete a delivery, leading to a tragic crash. The family’s legal representative secured maximum compensation for their medical bills and suffering.
Overloaded or Unbalanced Weight
Cement trucks have a vehicle weight rating that trucking companies are supposed to follow. When trucks are overloaded or poorly balanced, they become harder to stop and control, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents.
Federal trucking regulations set weight limits, but some truck companies overload their vehicles to boost profits. A poorly loaded cement truck can tip over, spill its contents, and create a deadly chain reaction of collisions.
Driver Fatigue & Distracted Driving
Cement truck drivers work long hours, often violating hours off duty laws meant to prevent drowsy driving. When a driver is exhausted, their reaction time slows down, making rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and T-bone crashes more likely.
Distracted driving is another major issue. Cement truck drivers rely on GPS systems, radios, and mobile devices while on the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a serious trucking accident.
Mechanical Failures & Poor Maintenance
Brake failures, worn tires, and hydraulic system malfunctions are common causes of truck crashes. Trucking companies are required by law to maintain their fleet, but some ignore strict regulations to save time and money.
In one truck accident injury case, a cement truck’s brakes failed on a downhill slope, causing a multi-vehicle pileup. Investigators later found that the truck accident law firm representing the victims uncovered a history of safety violations from the trucking company. The victims received fair compensation for their injuries, lost income, and pain.
Who Is Liable in a Cement Truck Accident?
After a cement truck accident, one of the biggest concerns is figuring out who is responsible. It’s easy to assume the truck driver is at fault, but in many cases, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even multiple parties may share the blame. Finding out who is liable is the key to getting the fair compensation you deserve.
When the Truck Driver Is at Fault
Truck drivers have a duty to drive safely, but some make dangerous choices behind the wheel. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and ignoring safety rules can all lead to serious crashes.
Take this example: A cement truck driver was running late for a delivery. Instead of slowing down for traffic, he tried to rush through a yellow light. He misjudged the stop and slammed into a passenger car, leaving the driver with spinal cord injuries.
The injured party had no idea how they were going to cover their medical bills or lost income. With the help of a Burbank cement truck accident lawyer, they were able to prove the driver was at fault and recover compensation for damages.
When the Trucking Company Is to Blame
Sometimes, the real problem isn’t the truck driver it’s the trucking company that put them on the road. Some companies cut corners, hiring unqualified drivers, skipping routine maintenance, or pushing drivers to work beyond legal limits.
A recent case in California involved a trucking company that ignored safety regulations and allowed a driver to operate a cement truck without proper training. The result? A rollover accident that left multiple people injured. The victims filed a truck accident lawsuit, and the truck accident attorneys uncovered critical evidence showing the company had a history of violations.
By holding trucking companies accountable, victims of truck accidents can get the financial compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
When Mechanical Failures Cause a Crash
Not every cement truck accident is caused by driver error. Sometimes, faulty brakes, defective tires, or mechanical failures make a heavy truck impossible to control. In these cases, the truck manufacturer or maintenance provider may be liable.
For example, a cement truck accident in Burbank was traced back to a defective braking system. The truck’s brakes failed on a steep hill, leading to a multi-car crash. The truck accident law firm representing the victims discovered that the truck manufacturer had ignored warnings about the faulty brake design. This led to a successful injury lawsuit, helping the victims recover maximum compensation.
What Federal & California Laws Say About Cement Trucks
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with both federal and California state laws setting strict safety rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires regular truck inspections, driver rest breaks, and strict weight limits. California adds additional regulations, especially in urban areas like Burbank, where cement trucks frequently operate.
If a trucking company ignores these laws like skipping maintenance checks or pressuring drivers to break hours-of-service rules they can be held liable. A truck accident lawyer can investigate maintenance records, driver logs, and police reports to determine if a company violated safety laws and caused an accident.
Injuries & Impact of a Cement Truck Crash
When a cement truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the injuries are often severe. These types of accidents can cause lifelong disabilities, massive medical bills, and emotional distress for victims and their families.
Common Injuries in a Cement Truck Collision
Cement truck crashes often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries that affect memory and motor skills
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to permanent paralysis
- Severe burns and amputations due to crushing injuries
- Internal injuries and broken bones that require multiple surgeries
These injuries often require months or even years of medical care, leaving victims unable to work or return to their everyday life.
Why Cement Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Accidents involving commercial trucks are far more likely to result in fatalities than standard car crashes. According to trucking accident statistics, large trucks are responsible for 1 in 10 fatal accidents in the U.S. The sheer weight and size of these vehicles increase the likelihood of injuries being life-changing.
The Long-Term Impact on Victims & Families
The challenges don’t end after a truck accident victim leaves the hospital. Many are left struggling with:
- Ongoing medical treatments and rehabilitation
- Lost income from being unable to return to work
- Emotional distress and mental anguish from the trauma of the crash
A personal injury lawyer can help victims and their families recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
What to Do After a Cement Truck Accident
Knowing what to do right after a crash can make a big difference in your truck accident claim. Taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
Call 911 & Get Medical Help
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare provider. Some injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Getting medical care right away also creates official medical records, which can help your case later.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any road conditions that may have played a role. Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact information. The police report will also be important when filing a truck accident lawsuit.
Speak with a Lawyer Before Talking to Insurance
Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or get you to accept a low settlement. Speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer first ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
A lawyer can also send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, requiring them to preserve critical evidence, like driver logs and truck maintenance records, before they can be altered or destroyed.
Get Help from a Burbank Cement Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies and insurance carriers start working immediately to protect themselves after an accident. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of getting the fair compensation you deserve.
There is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim in California. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Call now for a free consultation to discuss your case. There are no upfront fees we only get paid if you win.
