Cement Mixer Accident Lawyers Kentucky

Cement mixers combine a heavy machine that mixes cement and a truck that transports it. When it’s loaded, it could weigh up to 70,000 pounds. A vehicle that heavy, with a high center of gravity, is dangerous, especially the faster it travels. If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a cement mixer crash, Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, can help.

What’s a Cement Mixer?

A concrete mixer truck is a concrete mixer mounted on a heavy truck that delivers cement to construction sites. The truck has a rotating tank on an almost horizontal axis and a chute. The tank spins so the concrete keeps a consistent mixture, but that won’t prevent it from setting. The driver generally has an hour to unload the mix before that happens.

Why are Cement Mixers Dangerous?

Cement mixers can cause accidents if they are not driven safely or properly maintained. Some accident causes include:

• Poor visibility: The drum is very large and can block the driver’s view of the road and other vehicles. These large blind spots make it difficult to navigate safely
• Weight and size: Cement mixers are heavy and large vehicles. This makes them difficult to stop and maneuver, especially in tight spaces, on narrow roads, in bad weather, and when the truck’s traveling too fast for the conditions
• High center of gravity: They’re more likely to roll over if they are driven too fast or make sharp turns
• Mechanical failure: Cement trucks are complicated machines. If the truck part isn’t properly maintained or repaired, it may not be able to stop or steer properly. Worn tires may blow, causing a loss of control or driving more dangerous due to poor traction. If the cement mixer isn’t maintained, it may become a distraction for the driver, or parts may fall into the roadway

When you encounter a cement mixer on the road, it’s a good idea to give it as much distance as possible. If you need to pass it, do so safely on a stretch of road where passing is allowed.

How Do Cement Mixer Drivers Cause Accidents?

Driver error causes most accidents, not mechanical failure. Cement mixer drivers have a lot of responsibility. Not only do they need to deliver their load, but in a limited time. A driver more focused on delivering cement than driving safely can be a hazard to everyone on the road.

Drivers could put themselves in situations or make mistakes that can cause accidents involving other vehicles or pedestrians:

• Fatigue: Long hours and irregular work schedules can cause truck drivers to become fatigued, impairing their ability to drive safely. They may be unable to focus, be distracted, and not see situations ahead that they need to avoid
• Distraction: In addition to fatigue, drivers can be easily distracted by adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, concern about the cement mixer part of the truck, or being on time. Communicating with the customer or the cement company on a smartphone can shift the driver’s attention away from what’s around them
• Speeding: Truck drivers may feel pressure to meet delivery deadlines or unload cement before it sets, so they may speed to get to their destination quickly, which increases the risk of an accident. Speeding means the driver has less control of the truck, and stopping distances become much longer
• Improper lane changes and turns: These trucks have significant blind spots and a long turning radius. Drivers need to be extra careful when changing lanes and making turns to make sure they don’t sideswipe a vehicle next to them
• Lack of training and experience: Some accidents may happen if the driver lacks the necessary knowledge to operate it safely or doesn’t have the required driving skills
• Weather: Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, can make all these issues worse. Drivers unable to see other vehicles or pedestrians are more likely to strike them. A cement truck’s stopping distance is longer on roads covered in water, snow, or ice

Given the weight of these vehicles, whether the cause is the driver, the truck, or a combination, any accident can seriously injure or kill a pedestrian or occupant in another vehicle.

Speak To a Cement Mixer Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a family member is injured in a cement mixer truck accident in Kentucky, our law firm can and will help you handle legal matters with confidence. Put boots on the ground with help from Satterley & Kelley PLLC.

To schedule a free initial consultation at our Louisville office, call 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532) or complete our contact form today.

Please visit our truck accident page for more information.