Garbage Truck Accidents

A garbage truck, also known as a waste collection vehicle, is designed to pick up waste and haul it to landfills and/or recycling or treatment facilities. Garbage truck accidents present severe risks due to their size and the nature of their routes through residential areas. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a waste collection vehicle, it’s essential to contact an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer to help with your personal injury claim.

What Does a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

A garbage truck accident attorney is a personal injury lawyer specializing in garbage truck accident cases. They are instrumental in navigating the aftermath of such incidents. From investigating the details of the accident to gathering evidence and advocating for your rights in negotiations and courtrooms, they’re your trusted allies in seeking fair compensation and justice.

The experienced trucking accident attorney needs a diverse set of skills to excel in this specialized field, including:

• They should be skilled in digging deep into legal details and understanding complex laws and regulations.
• Strong negotiation abilities are necessary for advocating for clients during settlement talks or in court.
• Attention to detail is key for uncovering critical evidence and building compelling cases.
• Clear communication skills are essential for conveying legal concepts to clients and presenting arguments persuasively.
• Empathy is vital for understanding and supporting clients facing physical, emotional, or financial challenges due to the accident.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Accidents with waste collection vehicles commonly occur due to various factors, including:

• Negligent garbage truck drivers: When the truck drivers drive negligently, they risk the lives of others. Speeding, disobeying stop signs and traffic lights, failure to use turn signals, and other driving violations can result in serious harm. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, eat or drink, or are otherwise distracted also cause collisions.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the truck’s brakes, steering, or other essential components can contribute to accidents.
• Unsafe Loading or Securing: Improperly loaded or unsecured waste materials can shift during transit, affecting vehicle stability and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Inadequate maintenance and inspection of the truck can lead to mechanical failures or safety hazards on the road.
• Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, or debris on the roadway can pose challenges for garbage truck drivers and operators and potentially cause accidents.
• Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers: Lack of proper training or experience in operating garbage trucks can contribute to accidents on the road.
• Route Locations: Unlike other large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers and tanker trucks, sanitation vehicles move through narrow streets in residential areas or busy city neighborhoods. This puts them in dangerously close proximity to pedestrians and other motorists. If they are in the truck’s blind spots, accidents are likely to occur.

Why Are Garbage Truck Accidents Often Catastrophic?

Garbage trucks’ massive size and weight often cause severe damage to smaller vehicles, potentially causing devastating injuries to occupants. Additionally, these giant vehicles are usually active in urban areas, where foot and bike traffic is rampant, heightening the danger to vulnerable road users.

Garbage trucks make frequent stops and cannot maneuver through the streets as smoothly or easily as other vehicles, especially on narrow city streets. Accidents often occur when a frustrated motorist attempts to get around the slow-moving vehicle and gets hit by the garbage truck that may not see them in time.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Garbage Truck Crash Case?

Responsible parties for a garbage truck collision may include the driver, owner, driver’s employer, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and government entities responsible for road safety.

The driver may be liable for negligence while the truck owner ensures proper maintenance. Employers could bear responsibility under vicarious liability. Manufacturers or maintenance providers may be liable for defects. Government entities may be responsible for inadequate road safety measures.

Identifying defendants requires a thorough investigation by an experienced personal injury attorney.

How the Government Can Be Responsible For Your Garbage Truck Crash

Sometimes, you may have to file a compensation claim with the local government. It depends on who owns the vehicle and who was operating it during the accident. If the garbage truck is owned by a private company that the government contracts, you may have a claim against that company instead of the government. However, if the government owns the vehicle, you must file a claim with them.

To determine whether the government is responsible for your accident, speak with the legal team at Munley Law to learn your options.

Potential Compensation in a Garbage Truck Accident Claim

Potential compensation covers various damages incurred by the victim in a personal injury claim, including:

• medical bills
• lost wages due to missed work
• pain and suffering
• funeral and burial costs if the accident resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit
• property damage
• loss of enjoyment
• loss of consortium for family members
• punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence.

The specific amount awarded depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, property damage, liability, insurance coverage, and jurisdictional differences. Depending on the case, settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Some may involve minor damages with lower settlements, while others with severe injuries could lead to substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.

Consulting with a truck accident law firm can help victims understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for their damages.

How Can I Maximize Compensation For the Crash?

To maximize compensation and settlements in a garbage truck accident case, it’s essential to diligently document evidence, seek comprehensive medical treatment, calculate all damages accurately, negotiate effectively with insurance companies or at-fault parties, understand insurance coverage thoroughly, avoid premature settlements, present a strong case supported by evidence and expert testimony, and remain patient and persistent throughout the process. Working with an experienced attorney can help you navigate these steps and increase the likelihood of achieving fair compensation for your losses.

Common Injuries in Trash Truck Accidents

Victims of garbage truck accidents can sustain a wide range of physical injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries resulting from collisions or being ejected from a vehicle can lead to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents may cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired mobility.
• Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: The impact of the accident can cause fractures or breaks in bones, including broken bones in arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from the accident can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: The sudden jerking motion during a collision can cause whiplash, sprains, strains, or other soft tissue injuries.
• Lacerations and Contusions: Victims may suffer cuts, bruises, or abrasions from contact with objects inside or outside the vehicle.
• Burns: If the accident involves a fire or hazardous materials, victims may sustain burns ranging from minor to severe.
• Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of the accident can lead to psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
• Amputations: Severe injuries or crush trauma from the accident may necessitate surgical amputation of limbs or digits.
• Fatal Injuries: In the most tragic cases, garbage truck accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families devastated by the loss of their loved ones.

The severity and type of injuries sustained in a garbage truck accident can vary depending on vehicle speed, use of safety restraints, and hazardous materials.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer?

Making sense of the legal landscape after a garbage truck accident involves considerations beyond just seeking justice. Many attorneys offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and determine the best path forward. Regarding fees, there’s flexibility: some lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, known as a contingency fee.

Open communication with your lawyer about costs and strategies will ensure that you make informed decisions every step of the way.

What Do I Do After an Accident With a Garbage Truck?

Following a garbage truck accident, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

Ensure Safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location. Call emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured.

Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.

Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the garbage truck driver and any other involved parties. If applicable, note the waste removal truck’s license plate number and the waste disposal company name.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t initially feel injured, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, and documenting your injuries is crucial for your claim.

Report the Accident: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. This document can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as vehicle damage, medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.

Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide accurate details about the accident, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.

Consult with an Attorney: Contact a garbage truck accident attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options. An attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Actions to Take in the Days After a Garbage Truck Accident

In the days after a garbage truck accident, prioritize your health by closely monitoring any developing symptoms and following medical advice. Document injuries and treatment meticulously for insurance and legal purposes. Notify your insurance company promptly, but refrain from discussing fault. Preserve evidence such as medical records, photos, and witness information, and consult with a top garbage truck lawyer or accident attorney to understand your options. Keep records of expenses and losses incurred, and avoid discussing the accident publicly to prevent potential complications in legal proceedings.

Dealing with garbage truck accidents in the long term involves ongoing medical care, legal proceedings with the assistance of an attorney, financial management, seeking emotional support as needed, making lifestyle adjustments, taking preventative measures, and working towards legal closure. This comprehensive approach addresses physical, emotional, and financial aspects to facilitate recovery and resolution following the accident.

Why Choose Munley Law for Your Truck Accident Case?

Choosing Munley Law for your truck accident case ensures a powerhouse of legal expertise and unwavering dedication backs you. With a track record of triumphs and a legal team renowned for their tenacity, we turn the tables in your favor. We have three board certified truck accident attorneys on staff to provide you the best representation for your case.

From navigating the intricate maze of legal intricacies to passionately championing your cause, we’re your relentless advocates every step of the way. At Munley Law, we don’t just fight for compensation; we fight for your peace of mind and justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.