When driving through Florida it is not unusual to encounter a dump truck or other large vehicle that is hauling gravel, stone, or other debris. With continual road improvements being made throughout the state, it would probably be more unusual not to encounter one of these haulers.
While Miami and other areas are always in need of road improvements and other construction, these dump trucks often pose a hazard to other drivers. If debris from these trucks is not secured properly, gravel, lumber or stones can fly out of the beds and hit other drivers. At higher speeds, the rocks can become like flying missiles–lethal instruments. At best case scenario, they can do excessive damage to your car. At worst, they can cause driver accidents and bodily harm.
Steps To Take If You Are Struck
1. If you are able to see what company the dump truck is assigned to, make a mental note. You will need to provide this information to the police when you file a report. Do not worry, however, if you did not catch all of the information, many times the police can trace it back to local road or construction crews.
2. Pull over in a safe spot and make a police report. You will want to make a report as soon as possible for any damages that you received and any injuries that you incurred. Request medical attention for your injuries.
3. Make notes. It’s important to write down everything that you remember while it is still fresh in your memory. If you are able to, take pictures of the scene. You will want to make a detailed record about the incident so that your information is accurate for an insurance claim.
4. Contact a car accident attorney. You can search for one at sites such as miamicaraccidentlawyers.net; schedule an appointment before you speak to the insurance representatives or provide any written or oral statements to them. Your legal counsel will be able to protect your rights as a victim and aggressively work on your behalf for you to receive compensation from the insurer.
5. Refrain from posting too much information (TMI) on social pages about the event. Savvy insurance companies may be watching your postings to see if you admit any responsibility to the event. Since it’s public, your admission might be able to be used legally so that they can deny or reduce compensation.
While it may not be possible in all cases, the best thing to do when you see a full dump truck is avoid riding too closely behind. In fact, if you can get away by safely passing it or taking a different route, it is recommended.
It is estimated that a good sized rock coming off of the back of a truck and hitting a car can be doing in excess of 90mph. This could be deadly if it strikes the driver or the front seat passenger. It can also cause you to wreck your car if it smashes unexpectedly through the windshield.
It is understandable that these vehicles must be on the road. After all, they are part of the construction process. They do not, however, have to be dangerous. Even though a legal expert found at miamicaraccidentlawyers.net can help “ensure you get compensated for any damages and/or injuries you may have suffered,” to avoid or prevent mishaps, dump trucks should be viewed with caution while driving, especially if their loads are not covered with a tarp, red flags or other type of secure covering.
While on a road trip through Florida, Teresa Stewart became curious about driver liability after her car was struck with flying gravel. She writes to advocate safe driving around trucks that haul and to provide next steps tips for victims of flying debris.
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