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.

Why are concrete mixer trucks more dangerous than other trucks?

Concrete mixer trucks are tall, heavy, and have a high 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.

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 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.

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.

Johnson & Ward, established in 1949, was Atlanta’s first personal injury specialty law firm. Call today at (404)253-7862 to schedule a free consultation. We handle car and truck accidents, falls, and serious injury claims, and we only get paid if we win.

Reviewed February 21, 2026 by:
Ken Shigley, senior counsel, former president of the State Bar of Georgia, was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy: Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Practice, and Civil Pretrial Practice. He was the lead author of eleven editions of Georgia Law of Torts: Trial Preparation and Practice, and received the Traditions of Excellence Award from the State Bar of Georgia General Practice and Trial Section. B.A., Furman University; J.D., Emory University Law School; Certificates in mediation and negotiation, Harvard Law School.

John Adkins, managing partner, experienced in personal injury law, including auto accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, premises liability claims, dangerous or defective products, medical malpractice and related Plaintiff’s tort litigation. B.A., magna cum laude, Kennesaw State University; J.D., Thomas Jefferson Law School.

Ed Stone, partner, personal injury law, including truck accidents, auto accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, premises liability claims, dangerous or defective products, medical malpractice, and related Plaintiff’s tort litigation. B.B.A., Kennesaw State University; J.D., John Marshall Law School.