Pittsburgh Construction Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Results-Driven Pittsburgh Construction Vehicle Accident Lawyers Safeguard Clients’ Rights in Allegheny County and throughout PA
If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a construction vehicle accident, the experienced Pittsburgh construction vehicle accident lawyers at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. are here to help. We understand the complexities posed by construction vehicle accident cases and stand ready to go to battle for you against the large corporations and insurance companies that are involved in these cases.
Our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand that construction, while potentially burdensome and inconvenient at times for local residents, generally represents improvement and economic growth—both positive and encouraging attributes for Pittsburgh-area residents. Construction vehicles, on the other hand, can be absolutely dangerous if these large, cumbersome vehicles are not operated responsibly by properly trained drivers. Construction vehicles can cause accidents and injuries in any number of ways, from crashes with smaller vehicles to improper operation that causes injuries to construction workers on the site.
Because of the nature of construction vehicles themselves, your injuries after a construction vehicle accident can be significantly more severe than those sustained in a traditional motor vehicle accident—and if you were injured while working on the construction site itself, those injuries are often catastrophic and life-altering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 over 1,000 individuals died as a result of construction vehicle accidents on construction sites alone. This number does not even factor in those who were injured on site, or those who were injured or killed in accidents that took place on the roadways.
Who is Financially Responsible for Injuries Caused by Construction Vehicle Accidents?
Construction vehicles are so dangerous because they are designed to do a job—meaning that they have sharp and heavy features designed to move earth, break through concrete, demolish metal structures and transport heavy loads. These vehicles also must get from point A to point B like any other vehicle, and often share the roadways with much smaller passenger cars. Construction vehicles can cause accidents on the roadways because:
- The construction vehicle may take longer to stop than traditional motor vehicles,
- It can be difficult for the driver to see smaller vehicles in the area,
- Improperly loaded materials commonly carried by construction vehicles can cause tipping, or can even spill into the roadways.
Establishing liability after a construction vehicle accident can prove challenging because the actual driver or operator of the vehicle often cannot be held individually responsible for the accident. That individual was employed by another company to operate the vehicle, and it is often the case that multiple corporations will be involved in the construction project itself. At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our experienced Pittsburgh construction vehicle accident lawyers will work to establish liability by examining the potential responsibility of:
- The company that owned the vehicle,
- The company that employed and trained the driver,
- A company that owned the construction site itself,
- The maintenance company that was responsible for inspecting and maintaining the vehicle.
Skilled Pittsburgh Construction Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. Fight for Justice for Construction Vehicle Accident Victims
Construction vehicles are known to be dangerous, which is why extensive safety regulations have been developed to help prevent accidents from occurring. As in any case, it is important to investigate to identify the underlying cause when a construction vehicle accident causes injuries. Construction vehicle accidents may occur because of:
- Inadequately trained drivers,
- Improper handling of materials,
- Negligent maintenance of the vehicles themselves,
- Failure to follow the necessary safety protocols.
The most serious injuries caused by construction vehicle accidents usually occur on the construction site itself, where any number of dangerous construction vehicles may be present, including:
- Cranes. Cranes can become imbalanced, the crane may drop the load it is carrying or, in some cases, the actual crane itself can collapse, all causing serious injuries to those in the vicinity.
- Dump trucks. Electrical and mechanical malfunctions in a dump truck often lead to accidents, as the dump truck’s body must be raised and lowered from an elevated position to release the vehicle’s cargo.
- Backhoes. A backhoe has a sharp shovel in front, and a bucket in the rear, which can cause significant injuries if the vehicle is improperly operated.
- Bulldozers. Bulldozers can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries in crushing accidents where a worker becomes trapped beneath the vehicle.
Call Our Offices Today to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With our Experienced Pittsburgh Construction Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in a construction vehicle accident, you need a trustworthy and knowledgeable lawyer on your side. At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our Pittsburgh construction vehicle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to craft a strong argument for your right to recover compensation from the large companies whose negligent actions may have caused the accident in the first place.
Call our offices or fill out this online form, to set up a free consultation with our construction vehicle accident lawyers today. Our office is conveniently located at 3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Vehicle Accidents
The company that employs the person who actually operates the construction vehicle is responsible for making sure only qualified and properly trained individuals are operating this dangerous equipment. When that company fails to properly train and certify these operators, life-threatening injuries can result. The legal system allows accident victims to pursue claims for compensation against these companies in order to hold them responsible for this negligence, and so that victims can get justice for their injuries.
First, seek out medical attention—even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Secondly, you must report the accident to the construction site supervisor. This reporting requirement applies whether you were actually employed on the job site, or just passing through. You will also need to file an insurance claim initially to recover damages, but do not accept an initial settlement offer from the insurance company. Our lawyers can help you through the entire process, and explore the potential need to file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company is unwilling to pay a fair settlement.