Posted in Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on August 26, 2016
Dump Truck Accident Injures 5 in Warren County
A dump truck collided with a van in McMinnville, Tennessee, Thursday afternoon, causing at least five people to suffer injuries that required treatment at a local hospital.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred at around 2 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Highway 56 in Warren County when the dump truck, which was hauling gravel, collided with a passenger van.
The impact of the collision caused the van to flip over and the gravel inside the dump truck to spill onto the roadway.
All five of the victims who were injured in the crash were transported to Saint Thomas River Park hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. Emergency responders told reporters that none of the injuries were deemed life-threatening.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol says that the cause of the accident is unclear at this time, and an investigation of the crash is ongoing at this time.
Safety Tips for Driving near Dump Trucks and Industrial Vehicles
For most drivers, it’s common knowledge that tractor-trailers and semi-trucks can pose dangers to people in standard passenger vehicles due to the huge differences in weight and size. But it’s also important for drivers to recognize that smaller industrial vehicles, such as dump trucks, garbage trucks, and flatbed trucks, can also cause serious accidents and severe injuries, especially when they collide with passenger vehicles.
Follow these tips to reduce your risks the next time you drive near a dump truck or another large industrial vehicle:
Dump truck drivers sit high up off the road, making it more difficult for them to see vehicles around them. In addition to the blind spots that are common on all vehicles, such as the areas directly out of view of their side mirrors, dump truck drivers also may have difficulty seeing vehicles that directly in front of them or behind them.
Dump trucks are designed to carry several tons of cargo. That cargo can include anything from gravel and dirt to rocks and other heavy raw materials. In some cases, cargo can become loose and fall out of truck beds onto the roadway or even onto nearby vehicles. And when dump trucks are involved in even minor accidents, they may lose their cargo. Keeping a safe distance can help you avoid getting struck by loose cargo from a dump truck bed.
Tractor-trailers aren’t the only big trucks that require long distances to slow down or stop. Dump trucks that are fully loaded with cargo can also require significant distances to come to a complete stop or even reduce their speed. When drivers suddenly cut off dump trucks, shift lanes in front of them, or brake without warning, they can be at significant risk of being rear-ended due to dump truck drivers not having enough time to react and their vehicles lacking the braking power to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
Dump trucks are commonly used at construction and other work sites to haul materials in and out of the area. Always exercise caution when driving near work sites, especially if dump trucks frequently enter and exit. If a dump truck driver accelerates into the roadway without looking and collides with your vehicle, you could be at significant risk of suffering a disabling injury.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville dump truck accident attorneys knows that these types of accidents frequently result in victims suffering injuries that put them out of work for long periods of time. And when victims can’t work, they can’t pay for their medical bills or day-to-day living costs. Our legal team believes that victims should never pay out of pocket for accidents that weren’t their fault.
If you or someone you love was injured in a dump truck accident caused by a negligent driver or company, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. To find out how we can assist you during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. We’re ready to fight for your rights.
