Garbage Truck Accident
Were You Struck by a Garbage Truck in Phoenix? We Want to Help
No matter where you live, garbage trucks are a part of life. Because these trucks move slowly and make frequent stops, it is easy to underestimate the danger they pose. However, similar to other large trucks, a trash truck collision can be serious for bicyclists, pedestrians, and those in passenger vehicles. Due to the size and weight of garbage trucks, individuals involved in these accidents are often seriously injured.
People who are injured by a garbage truck may be able to file a claim to compensate for those injuries. Filing these claims can be complicated, though. Since garbage trucks contract with the city or county government, it can be difficult to determine who was liable for the accident.
Anyone injured in a garbage truck accident in Phoenix should speak to a personal injury attorney. The Husband & Wife Law Team will investigate the crash, hold the negligent parties responsible, and work to get you the full amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today.
What Are the Dangers of Garbage Trucks?
Garbage trucks can be found on most residential roads, helping the city keep clean. These vehicles provide an incredibly important service: no area with a large population can survive without waste removal. However, the fact that garage trucks are common does not make them safe. These trucks are incredibly dangerous and are often responsible for serious accidents. Factors that go into making these trucks dangerous include:
Large blind spots: The larger a vehicle, the larger its blind spots. Trash trucks are no exception. With such a large trailer, most garbage trucks have extensive blind spots that make it hard to spot cars, bike riders, and pedestrians. It is common for garbage trucks to pull out and hit someone crossing by on the road or sidewalk.
Restricted to residential roads: Semi-trucks keep to highways and commercial zones, which means they don’t interact with pedestrians too much. Garbage trucks, however, keep to residential roads, where pedestrians often walk. Someone on foot can be hard to spot and hear, and if the driver is not paying attention, he or she could collide with someone on a walk, causing severe injuries.
High center of gravity: Like all large vehicles, garbage trucks have a high center of gravity. This makes them prone to rollovers. If the driver takes a turn too quickly, the truck may suddenly tip and fall, harming nearby pedestrians and drivers alike.
Due to the dangerous nature of garbage trucks, their drivers must be incredibly careful. Otherwise, it is very likely any negligence will lead to a serious collision.
What Causes Garbage Truck Accidents?
Garbage trucks accidents are almost always caused by negligence at some level. However, there are multiple parties that could be considered liable for an accident. If you are planning on filing a claim, it is very important to determine who to file your claim against. The most common parties are:
The driver: The driver is the one responsible for controlling the truck, and so is often the cause of trucking accidents. For example, fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, particularly during the early morning runs these trucks make. The driver may also be driving distracted while on a phone, or speaking to a coworker in the truck. The driver may misjudge a turn, or not check the side mirror before backing into a space. These are just a few ways a garbage truck driver may cause an accident.
The mechanic or manufacturer: A defective part can also result in an accident. If the truck had faulty brakes, for instance, and hit someone as a result, then the person responsible for the defect or the truck’s upkeep would likely be the one found liable.
The company: Some garbage haulers are private, meaning they are not affiliated with the city government. These companies are responsible for training their drivers, as well as making sure the truck receives proper maintenance. If the company neglects these important steps, then it may be responsible for your injuries.
The government: While some garbage companies are private, others are run or contracted by the local government. If the government agency was negligent, whether that meant providing no training, not keeping trucks maintained, or cutting corners, then the agency would be the one to file your claim against. However, there are shorter deadlines for government tort claims.
A third party: Another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist can also cause a garbage truck accident. For example, a car may pull out of a driveway unexpectedly, causing the garbage truck to abruptly stop. If there is a vehicle behind the truck, that vehicle may not have enough time to stop and may rear-end the garbage truck, causing your accident and injuries.
As you can see, there are many parties that may be liable for your injuries. Figuring out which one to file against may seem like an impossible task to complete on your own. That is why you should always seek help when you need to start the claims process.
Filing a Trash Truck Accident Claim
Since a number of parties can cause a garbage truck accident, it is sometimes difficult to hold those parties liable for paying compensation. An investigation will need to be done, which should be extensive, and include speaking to witnesses, capturing video surveillance if available, collecting statements from everyone involved in the crash, and negotiating with insurance companies. Doing all of that on your own is exhausting, especially if you are recovering from catastrophic injuries. That is why the best way to start is to speak with an experienced attorney.
Our trash truck accident lawyers at The Husband & Wife Law Team can conduct this investigation to determine the cause of the crash and who should be held liable. We will then help you file a claim to receive compensation from the at-fault party.
We will also be aware of certain requirements or restrictions involved in a trash truck accident. For example, if the City of Phoenix is partially to blame for the accident, injured individuals only have 180 days to file a Notice of Claim with the city. There is no time to waste if you need to start a claim. Statutes of limitations run out, and evidence spoils. You need to contact an experienced law firm as soon as possible.
Call a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a garbage truck collision, call a truck accident lawyer at The Husband & Wife Law Team today at. These cases present a number of challenges, and you do not have to face them alone. We know how to investigate these collisions to determine who was at fault. Once we have determined negligence, we will fight to get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.