Latest Blogs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers dump trucks as “single-unit” trucks, having an engine, cab, drive train and cargo area, all of which are mounted on a single chassis. Because of their weight, dump trucks are difficult to maneuver and cannot stop quickly.

Hundreds of dump trucks travel our roads each day carrying sand, gravel, and other materials. They are considered the backbone of the Florida construction industry, but they may pose dangers to themselves and other motorists.

Truck drivers are often incentivized to get to their destinations quickly, especially when they are paid by the load and not by the hour. This compensation formula can be a formula for disaster when dump truck drivers operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner by speeding.

The Family Motor Coach Association reported that dump truck accidents, which are serious enough to require the vehicle to be towed away, jumped by 9 percent to 8,206 in 2016, which are the most recent statistics available. Injury accidents involving dump trucks jumped by 3.8 percent in the same year.

Trucking companies and their drivers are required to follow federal and state laws. Should they violate any of these laws, they could be held liable for serious, even life-altering injuries.

According to Florida law 316.535:

Dump trucks, concrete mixing trucks, trucks engaged in waste collection and disposal, and fuel oil and gasoline trucks designed and constructed for special type work or use, when operated as a single unit, shall be subject to all safety and operational requirements of law, except that any such vehicle need not conform to the axle spacing requirements of this section provided that such vehicle shall be limited to a total gross load, including the weight of the vehicle, of 20,000 pounds per axle plus scale tolerances and shall not exceed 550 pounds per inch width tire surface plus scale tolerances. No vehicle operating pursuant to this section shall exceed a gross weight, including the weight of the vehicle and scale tolerances, of 70,000 pounds. Any vehicle violating the weight provisions of this section shall be penalized as provided in s. 316.545.

Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident involving a dump truck, it is important to know what to do after an accident. Here are some recommendations:

• Remain calm.
• Get to a safe place.
• Remain at the scene of the accident.
• Check for injuries.
• Call for assistance.
• Seek medical attention from EMS.
• Tell first responders everything that hurts, even if you may think it is minor.
• Take photos using your cell phone.
• Exchange insurance information.
• Obtain information from any witnesses.
• Do not sign any document(s) unless it is for the police.
• Do not tell anyone the accident was your fault, because when you speak to an experienced attorney they will analyze who was at fault.
• Contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have an experienced legal team ready to assist you with your potential personal injury case 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.