For more than 65 years, Munley Law’s Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyers have helped victims protect their rights and obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve. If your life or the life of a loved one has been impacted by an accident involving a garbage truck, let our award-winning attorneys fight for justice on your behalf.
Munley Law is the only firm in Pennsylvania with three National Board of Trial Advocacy board-certified truck accident lawyers. Our in-depth knowledge of trucking accidents, combined with our collaboration with various experts, has led to multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our expertise is widely recognized and has earned us numerous accolades and awards from prestigious organizations and publications, including the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the National Trial Lawyers, the Irish Legal 100, and Martindale-Hubbell. We’ve negotiated with insurance companies and faced local governments and private companies in court on behalf of thousands of clients, and we can do the same for you.
Don’t let the opportunity to pursue justice and compensation pass you by. Contact Munley Law to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re available 24/7 and work on a contingency basis, so there’s no fee unless we win your case.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$19.8 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
How Will We Handle Your Garbage Truck Accident Case?
Garbage truck accidents can be extremely complex, and Munley Law’s Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases. Our team is equipped to fight for you, whether your case is against a private party or a government entity. These cases often require additional investigative measures and negotiations to resolve. 
We will thoroughly assess your situation to determine the factors and variables involved, and we will collaborate with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to build a case tailored to your specific needs.
Your case is our top priority, and we will devote our time and resources to securing the results you need. We understand that the legal process can be confusing and overwhelming. We will work diligently to streamline it and answer your questions, providing you with peace of mind.
Our Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyers will communicate with you regularly and empower you with the tools and resources you need to reclaim your life after an accident.
Contact a Pennsylvania Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania
Garbage trucks are classified as heavy duty commercial vehicles that can weigh well above 26,000 pounds. Given their immense size and weight, these trucks can cause significant damage in a collision, as well as inflict catastrophic injuries. Common causes of accidents involving garbage trucks include:
- Speeding
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
- Distractions
- Road and weather conditions
- Defective or poorly maintained parts and equipment
- Inadequate training
- Blind spots
- Steering narrow streets
- Imbalanced waste materials
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 7,312 accidents involving various types of heavy trucks in 2024. Although the department doesn’t specify the causes of these accidents, some undoubtedly were the result of one or more of the common causes listed above. The circumstances surrounding the accident are a crucial factor in your case and can significantly impact the outcome. The cause of the accident can also shed light on who contributed to the crash.
A Munley Law Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyer will help you identify what factors contributed to the accident, who was at fault, and what your options are.
How is Liability Determined in a Pennsylvania Garbage Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a garbage truck accident is a complex and intricate process. Not only can multiple parties be at fault, but cases involving government entities can create unique challenges.
Due to these factors, hiring Pennsylvania garbage truck accident attorneys is crucial for navigating legal matters and safeguarding your rights throughout the process. Specific criteria must be met to hold a party liable for your injuries, and this requires that you show:
- Duty of care: The party at fault was obligated to keep you from harm by taking appropriate steps to guarantee safe operations and driving.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party acted outside the scope of their responsibilities and violated their duty of safety.
- Causation: The actions of the at-fault party were the impetus that led to the accident, resulting in injuries and loss.
- Damages: The at-fault party is liable for damages to repay you in whole or in part for the harm they caused you.
At a minimum, fault must be established to determine what happened in an accident and how it happened. However, the extent to which you can hold a garbage truck driver, company, or third-party accountable depends on the entity itself and what laws govern its actions and immunity. Government bodies are less likely to absorb liability than a private party.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Garbage Truck Crash in PA?
Multiple parties can be responsible for contributing to a garbage truck accident in Pennsylvania. While each one contributes to overall operations in some way, it also increases the likelihood that something will go wrong at some point in the process. Some common individuals and entities that can be held accountable include:
- Garbage truck driver: Drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their trucks and remaining alert to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in their surroundings. When they engage in careless behavior or fail to show the appropriate level of caution, they can cause injury and be held accountable.
- Garbage truck company: Waste collection entities have a responsibility to train garbage truck drivers, conduct regular inspections and maintenance, and set reasonable workplace expectations and schedules. When they do not, the truck company can be liable.
- Government entity: Garbage truck drivers and employees who are classified as government employees are obligated to act with caution. When they act outside the scope of their job or fail to fix a known hazard, they may be held liable to a certain extent.
- Garbage truck mechanics: Mechanics are responsible for garbage truck repairs, so mechanical equipment does not fail while the truck is in use. When they fail to conduct proper maintenance, run safety checks, or fix an issue, they can contribute to a truck accident and motorist injuries.
- Manufacturers: Manufacturers of garbage trucks or parts are responsible for making sure that the design and function are inherently safe and that there are no flaws in the production of the product. Defective parts and trucks can cause serious harm when they contribute to an accident,
Each of these parties will be heavily scrutinized after an accident to determine whether they played a role and to what extent. Holding the right party accountable is important so you can recover what you have lost and ensure the at-fault party does not put others at risk. Your lawyer can help you look into the details of the accident and identify who your claim will be against.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
How Does Government Immunity Affect Garbage Truck Accident Cases in Pennsylvania?
Many cities and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania provide residents with waste removal services. This may even be offered as a convenient utility service in some areas. However, holding one of these government entities accountable and recovering damages is anything but convenient. According to Pennsylvania laws governing matters affecting government units, such as 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8541, governments at both the state and local levels enjoy certain immunities from liability.
Government entities on the state level have what is known as “sovereign immunity,” and local government entities have “official immunity.” Both types of immunity provide similar protections for the most part, and mean these employees can only be held liable in certain situations. If a garbage truck is driven, overseen, or maintained by a government employee, the employee must act outside the scope of their assigned duties to be held liable by the victim.
Because government entities have these legal privileges, it can be difficult for injured victims to recover their losses. State and local governments may claim that their actions fell within the parameters of their role or authorized discretion, or they may try to blame you for your injuries. Even if you can recover compensation, it is likely to be limited.
Hiring a Pennsylvania garbage truck accident attorney in these situations is critical. They know how to handle these claims and communicate effectively with government entities, ensuring the correct process is followed. A Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
How is Shared Fault Handled in a Garbage Truck Accident Case?
In any type of motor vehicle or truck accident, the cause of the accident must be investigated to determine who is at fault. Law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and lawyers each assess and review the findings to complete their respective duties in a case. During this process, the actions of all parties are examined and assigned a percentage that represents their contribution to the accident.
According to Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102, any party who contributed less than 50% to the accident can recover compensation. However, it will be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. This means, for example, that if you were found to be 15% at fault for an accident where the maximum value of your settlement was $150,000, you could only recover $127,500. Conversely, any fault over 50% results in no compensation.
Whether you discover you were partially at fault for an accident or only suspect you may have contributed to the collision, you should retain a lawyer. Individuals who hire a lawyer typically receive better results and higher settlements. This is because lawyers have extensive experience, legal knowledge, and negotiation skills. They also have resources and connections in the community and justice system that can open doors otherwise unavailable to you.
Your Right to Recover Compensation and the Factors that Impact Your Settlement
When you have been injured by a garbage truck due to negligence, you have the right to recover your losses through compensation. What you can recover will be impacted by the extent and severity of your losses, fault, insurance limits, and damage caps. However, most damages provide for your expenses and suffering and are likely to cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Your lawyer will help you determine what losses can be recovered in your case and the potential value of your damages based on several factors. They will use this estimate to negotiate with the appropriate parties to secure your results. While some cases can go to trial, most personal injury cases settle out of court. If your case goes to court, our Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyers will fight aggressively on your behalf.
Contact a Pennsylvania Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Now
How Damage Caps Can Impact Your Recovery in a Garbage Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Depending on who your garbage truck claim is against, the sum of your settlement could be affected. If your claim is against a private waste collection company, then you will likely not be subjected to damage caps. This means that you could potentially recover the full value of your losses in your case. 
However, many garbage trucks are owned and operated by local municipalities or the state. Recovery is capped in these types of cases according to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8528 and 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 8553. For claims against state employees, damages are capped at $250,000, or $1,000,000 if there are multiple plaintiffs. For claims against local government entities, recovery is capped at $500,000.
Why Garbage Truck Accident Claims Must be Filed in a Timely Manner
Who you file your garbage truck accident claim against affects the amount of time you have to act. According to Pennsylvania Statute 42 § 5224.0, private claims for a garbage truck accident must be filed within two years of when the accident occurred. Claims against government entities must be filed within six months of the accident, according to Pennsylvania Statute 42 § 5522.
Given these vastly different timeframes, you should not delay in hiring a lawyer. Quick action is necessary, and you will need to account for the time your lawyer will need to build your case. The benefit of these timeframes, though, is that they reduce the likelihood that evidence will have deteriorated. It also helps resolve your case more quickly, allowing you to be compensated sooner.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Pennsylvania Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer?
With more than 250 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record in securing major victories for accident victims, Munley Law is the best firm for Pennsylvania garbage truck accident cases. Among our results were:
- $6.9 million settlement for damages resulting from a garbage truck crashing into a car
- $6.5 million settlement for a man who suffered a brain injury in a garbage truck accident
In addition to having truck accident law board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Marion and Daniel Munley are also board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy. Their commitment to their profession has led Marion and Daniel to become members of the American Board of Trial Advocates and to be the first recipients of the AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group’s Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award. Marion is currently Vice President of the AAJ, and Daniel served as chair of the Trucking Litigation Group. Marion and Daniel are also board-certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) and are members of the academy’s Board of Regents.
At Munley Law, we believe truck accident victims deserve justice. We will put all our effort into ensuring you are compensated for your injuries, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garbage Truck Accident Cases
What Should I Do Immediately After a Garbage Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Immediately after a garbage truck accident in Pennsylvania, you should call 911, seek medical attention, and report the incident to law enforcement. If possible, take photos and video footage of your injuries and the scene, and collect witnesses’ contact details and details about the truck and its driver. As garbage truck cases often involve private companies or government entities, it’s essential to contact a Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Munley Law’s attorneys can guide you through the following steps and protect your rights from the beginning.
Why are Garbage Truck Accident Cases More Complicated than Regular Car Accidents?
Garbage truck accident cases are more complicated than regular car accidents because these vehicles are large, heavy, and often operate in residential areas with difficult road conditions. Multiple parties may be responsible, including drivers, government entities, private waste companies, mechanics, and manufacturers. Additionally, government-owned trucks are subject to immunity laws and strict filing deadlines. Our legal team possesses specialized experience, industry expertise, and investigative resources to handle these challenges effectively.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Several individuals or entities can be held liable for a garbage truck accident in Pennsylvania. Potentially responsible parties include the:
- Garbage truck driver
- Private waste collection company
- A state or local government entity
- Mechanics or maintenance providers
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
Your Munley Law Pennsylvania garbage truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault and pursue compensation accordingly.
Can I Recover Compensation if I was Partially at Fault for the Garbage Truck Accident?
You may recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the garbage truck accident. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence law, 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your award will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by 20%. Our lawyers will work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Garbage Truck Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
How long you have to file a garbage truck accident claim in Pennsylvania depends on who owns the truck:
- Privately-owned trucks: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim
- Government-owned trucks: You must file a notice of claim within six months, bearing in mind that additional immunity laws may apply
As these deadlines are strict and evidence can disappear, it’s important to contact Munley Law right away. Our team will ensure all requirements are met, and your garbage truck accident claim is filed on time.
Munley Law Handles Complex Garbage Truck Accident Cases and Gets Results
Munley Law guides you through the legal claim process so you can get the resources you need after being injured. Garbage truck accidents require unique legal considerations, and your lawyer is prepared and equipped to handle these challenges on your behalf. Our firm provides free consultations so you can discuss your case, discover your options, and learn more about our team. Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.
