If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a waste collection vehicle, an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer will help with your personal injury claim.
For nearly 70 years, Munley Law has represented injured parties in court and secured favorable verdicts on their behalf. We have won millions for our clients to date, including a $6.9 million verdict for a case where a garbage truck crashed into a car, and a $6.5 million settlement for a man who suffered a brain injury in a serious garbage truck accident. Our firm is the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three lawyers certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and both Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are board certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Our truck accident lawyers have the legal knowledge and expertise needed to successfully build and represent your case and maximize your chance of securing fair compensation. Contact Munley Law today for specialist support and a free, no-obligations consultation. 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
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.
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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. Those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs also create significant hazards, with the NHTSA reporting 187 fatal large truck crashes caused by inebriated drivers in 2023.
- 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. The NHTSA’s 2023 statistics show that large truck accidents account for 30% of fatal accidents in urban areas, compared to just 9% of such accidents in rural zones.
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.
Working in refuse removal can also be hazardous for garbage truck drivers due to the nature of the role and the working conditions entailed. A 2024 report from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that 74% of all garbage truck-related deaths are attributable to ‘transportation incidents’, which include both two-vehicle collisions and struck-by accidents. Additionally, 44% of the 26,300 occupational injuries in refuse removal (11,572 injuries in total) treated at US hospitals between 2012 and 2022 were caused by refuse truck-related factors.
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 be held responsible 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 at the time of the accident. If the garbage truck is owned by a private company that the government contracts with, 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.
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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. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts 2023 report notes 2,442,581 people were injured in large truck accidents – including garbage truck accidents – that year, 2,223,735 of which were vehicle occupants.
Garbage truck accidents can also lead to tragic deaths; the NHTSA reported 5,472 large truck accident deaths in 2023, with garbage truck crashes accounting for a notable number of these fatalities.
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. A personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Actions Should I 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 you have a powerhouse of legal expertise and unwavering dedication backing you. With a track record of triumphs and a legal team renowned for its tenacity, we turn the tables in your favor. We have three board certified truck accident attorneys on staff to provide you with the best representation for your case.
Our experienced attorneys have won many multi-million dollar settlements for our clients to date, as well as many of the legal industry’s top accolades for their work. All five of our partners hold AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, with senior partner Marion Munley also named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list.
Partners Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are board certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and are members of the ATAA’s Board of Regents. All our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, including Caroline Munley, who has been honored as a certified workers’ compensation specialist by the Section on Workers’ Compensation Law. Marion Munley is currently the Vice President of the American Association of Justice and is the first woman to head its Trucking Litigation Group, with Daniel Munley serving as the group’s Chair. Our firm is also the only law firm in Pennsylvania to have three lawyers certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy: Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Truck Accidents
How can I avoid garbage truck accidents as a truck driver?
According to NIOSH, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a garbage truck accident by looking out for fellow employees and pedestrians and checking both side mirrors before you back up; using a reliable spotter to check your blind spots before backing up; never using a cell phone while driving.
They also recommend adhering to speed limits at all times, wearing a seatbelt, and using visual technologies such as cameras and radar to ensure the area around you is clear while operating the garbage truck.
How many garbage truck accident-related deaths take place each year?
The NHTSA reported a total of 5,472 deaths caused by large truck accidents in 2023. Garbage trucks are classified as large trucks and are included in this fatality rate.
What are the leading causes of injury in garbage truck accidents?
A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research finds that collision or sideswipe with another vehicle is the primary cause of injury in heavy truck accidents – including garbage truck accidents – accounting for 32% of injury cases. Sudden stops, vehicle rollovers, and jackknife accidents are also cited as leading causes of injury.
How many garbage truck accident victims lose time due to their injuries?
The Journal of Safety Research study found that 86% of people injured in heavy truck accidents reported losing time because of their injuries. 37% of these victims also said that it took them more than a month to recover before they could return to work.
What is the first thing I should do after being involved in a garbage truck accident?
If you have been in a garbage truck accident, check yourself for injuries and move to a safe place immediately. Call emergency services and ask them to send medical assistance if you or anyone else has been injured. It’s important to seek medical attention even if you don’t have obvious injuries, as some injuries only manifest a few days after the incident.
Remember to document the accident scene, taking photos and videos of vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and road signage, and get contact details from nearby eyewitnesses. If you have suffered injuries, it is also essential to contact a garbage truck accident lawyer at Munley Law as soon as possible for advice and your next steps.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is recognized for her compassionate representation of catastrophically injured clients and her steadfast dedication to them and their families. Her advocacy has produced numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements on record. Marion is Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial, Civil Practice, and Truck Law, and since 2023 has been named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on December 3, 2025.
