Concrete mixer truck accidents in Georgia

What is a ready-mix concrete or cement delivery truck?

A ready-mix concrete truck, also called a cement mixer truck, carries wet concrete to construction sites across Georgia. The drum on the back keeps turning to prevent the concrete from hardening before it’s poured. These trucks make it faster and more efficient to build roads, bridges, sidewalks, and concrete structures. But they also pose special road dangers.

See also truck accident information center and information on dump truck accidents, log truck accidents, tire and wheel off truck accidents, truck accidents in bad weather, and reasons to file a truck accident case in Georgia.

What is an unusual danger of concrete mixer trucks?

Concrete mixer trucks are tall, heavy, and have a high and constantly shifting center of gravity. The liquid concrete inside the spinning drum constantly shifts, which makes the truck less stable and harder to control. This design increases the risk of rollover crashes, especially when turning at an intersection, unlike other commercial trucks. When a concrete mixer truck overturns on a family car in an intersection, bad things happen.

How easily can a concrete mixer truck tip or roll over?

A fully loaded mixer truck can start to tip over during a sharp 90-degree turn at about 12 miles per hour. If the same turn is taken at 16 miles per hour, the truck can roll over completely. This can crush smaller vehicles in the intersection or cause serious injuries and deaths.

Are most cement mixer truck drivers well-trained on the unique handling of such trucks?

No. This is not covered in the Commercial Drivers License course or standard truck driver training manuals. Although there are excellent training books and videos published by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, many drivers are simply hired, put in a truck, and taught to operate the mixer controls. Few appear to have formal training on the unique handling characteristics of concrete mixer trucks. That can lead to problems.

What happens if concrete spills during a crash?

A rollover can cause tons of wet concrete to spill onto the roadway or nearby vehicles. If concrete splashes bystanders, it can cause severe chemical burns from the mixture’s caustic ingredients.

Can concrete mixer truck accidents be prevented?

Yes. The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association provides excellent written and video safety training for drivers. Sadly, many concrete companies do not provide their drivers with this basic safety training, which many truck drivers would welcome.

Who may be responsible when a cement truck causes an accident?

Trucking companies have a duty to be careful in hiring, training, and supervising their drivers. If a company fails to train its drivers or properly maintain its trucks, it may be legally responsible for resulting injuries or deaths. That should include the use of industry-standard training and safety practices to prevent such crashes.

What should victims of a concrete truck accident do?

If a family member is seriously injured or killed in a crash with a concrete mixer truck, it is important to select a trucking attorney experienced with concrete truck issues who can investigate all the causes of the accident and seek appropriate compensation.

Call 404-253-7862 or send us an online message to learn how we may be able to help.

Since 1949, Johnson & Ward has represented people seriously injured in car crashes, truck accidents, falls, and other catastrophic incidents. As Atlanta’s first firm devoted to personal injury law, we provide free consultations and only get paid if compensation is recovered.

Ken Shigley, senior counsel, is a former President of the State Bar of Georgia and the first Georgia lawyer to hold three NBTA board certifications. He served as lead author of Georgia Law of Torts: Trial Preparation and Practice.
Education includes Furman University, Emory Law School, and advanced certificates from Harvard Law School and MIT. Martindale AV Preeminent, Avvo 10/10, Google 4.8/6, Justia 5/5, Traditions of Excellence Award from Georgia Bar.

Managing partner John Adkins handles motor vehicle accidents, trucking cases, wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation disputes, premises liability cases, defective product litigation, and medical malpractice.

Partner Ed Stone represents injured clients in truck accident cases, car accidents, wrongful death litigation, workers’ compensation claims, premises liability actions, and product liability cases.