Construction sites are busy places. When forklifts, dumpers and lorries are moving around, it doesn’t take much for something to go wrong. If you’ve been injured, you may be left in pain and wondering what happened, who was responsible, and what you’re meant to do next.
This guide explains the basics of a construction vehicle accident claim. You don’t have to do this alone. We’ll set out what usually matters, what your options might be, and where to go from here.
Can you make a construction vehicle accident claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured because site safety wasn’t properly managed, equipment was used unsafely, or someone else’s actions put you at risk. A workplace accident can apply whether you’re an employee, subcontractor or agency worker.
Common construction site vehicle accidents
Forklift, dumper and lorry accidents can happen in different ways on construction sites, often where vehicles and people are working close together. Below are some of the more common scenarios, grouped by vehicle type.
Forklift accidents on construction sites
Forklifts are commonly used on site, but accidents can happen when areas aren’t clearly organised or loads aren’t handled properly. Common scenarios include:
- Pedestrians being struck or crushed where there is poor separation
- Falling or unstable loads
- Turning into walkways, blind spots or tight corners
- Tip-overs on uneven or sloping ground
These types of accidents can cause serious injuries, including fractures, crush injuries and long-term problems with pain or mobility.
Dumper accidents on construction sites
Site dumpers are often used on rough ground and busy routes, which can increase the risk if the site isn’t well managed. Here are the most common scenarios:
- Rollovers on slopes or rough surfaces
- Reversing into workers
- Poorly planned routes or unclear traffic flow
- Unsafe loading and unloading areas
In many cases, clear layout planning and proper supervision are what prevent these risks from turning into accidents.
Lorry and delivery vehicle accidents on site
Lorries and delivery vehicles often arrive during busy periods, sometimes with pressure to unload quickly. This can increase the risk of accidents, particularly where space is limited. Common scenarios include:
- Reversing incidents in yards or loading zones
- Blind spots and tight spaces near entrances or site compounds
- Rushed unloading or poorly managed deliveries
- Pedestrians working close to moving vehicles
If you were injured during a delivery, it could still be treated as a workplace accident depending on how the site was managed and who was responsible at the time.
What safety measures should have been in place?
The exact safety measures depend on how the site was set up, but there are some basic steps that are usually expected where vehicles are in use. These may include:
- Planned vehicle routes, with separate walkways for pedestrians
- Barriers or clear segregation where people and vehicles could cross paths
- Controlled reversing, such as using banksmen where needed
- Clear signage, good lighting and appropriate speed controls
- A proper site induction and clear rules for deliveries
- Trained operators, with suitable supervision
- Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles and equipment
In simple terms, the site should be organised so vehicles can move around safely, without putting people at unnecessary risk.
Who could be responsible for a forklift, dumper or lorry accident?
Responsibility depends on what went wrong, and who had control over that part of the work. On construction sites, that isn’t always straightforward, and more than one party can be involved.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may sit with:
- Your employer — For training, supervision, and a safe system of work.
- The principal contractor or site management — The main organisation managing the site day-to-day, including traffic routes and pedestrian separation.
- The driver/operator — If the vehicle was used unsafely.
- A plant hire or maintenance provider — Only where poor maintenance or defects are genuinely relevant.
If you’re unsure who’s responsible, that’s completely normal. A claim can investigate how the site was managed and where safety may have broken down.
What to do after a construction site vehicle accident
If you can, take these six steps as soon as possible. They can protect your health and help you keep a clear record of what happened:
- Seek medical help and follow-up, even if symptoms show up later.
- Report the accident to a supervisor or site manager and ask for it to be recorded.
- Note witnesses and keep their contact details.
- Take photos of the scene, routes, signage, vehicle position, and visible injuries.
- Ask whether CCTV or dashcam footage exists and if it can be kept.
- Keep receipts and records.
Try not to feel pressured to get on with it. If you have ongoing pain, especially back pain, get it checked and keep records.
Evidence that can support your claim
Claims are usually easier to assess when there’s a clear record of what happened. That evidence might come from a few different places, including:
- An accident report or accident book entry
- Witness details or statements
- Photos, CCTV, or site camera footage
- Training/competency records
- Maintenance or inspection records for vehicles and equipment
- Medical notes, along with proof of any costs or losses
Some incidents also need to be formally reported under workplace reporting rules, which can create an extra paper trail. But you don’t need to know how that works to take the next step or ask for advice.
Time limits and no win, no fee
Personal injury claims have time limits, and there are exceptions depending on your situation. If you choose to speak to us, we can explain your options under no win, no fee. Which means you don’t pay a thing unless your case is a success. Terms apply.
If you’re thinking about a claim, seeking advice sooner can also help preserve evidence.
Get in touch
Construction vehicle accidents can leave you dealing with pain, time off work, and a lot of unanswered questions. But you deserve clear information and a fair chance to understand your options. We’re here to help.
If you want to talk things through, our team can listen and guide you on the next steps. Contact us today for clear, friendly advice about your construction vehicle accident claim.
Construction site vehicle accident FAQs
What if I was partly at fault?
You might still be able to claim, even if you think you played a part. For example, if routes weren’t clearly marked or vehicles and pedestrians weren’t properly separated. It depends on the circumstances and the evidence, so it’s worth getting advice rather than assuming you can’t claim.
Do I need a formal report to make a claim?
Not always. The most important thing is that the accident is recorded and you have evidence of what happened and how you were injured. A formal report can help support the facts, but it isn’t the only way to show what went wrong.
Can subcontractors and agency workers claim?
Often, yes. Being a subcontractor or agency worker doesn’t automatically stop you from making a claim if site safety wasn’t managed properly. Who is responsible can depend on who controlled the work area, equipment, and site rules at the time of the accident.