Trash Truck Accidents Can Be Devastating
Call the attorneys with extensive experience in trucking litigation
Garbage trucks, or trash trucks, are a part of our everyday lives, no matter where you work, live or play. You can find these heavy vehicles practically anywhere, driving through our neighborhoods and emptying them of waste and recycling. Because of their size, a garbage truck accident can leave victims with serious injuries.
A collision with a garbage truck can come with its own set of challenges and complexities. If you or a loved one has been injured, the experienced truck accident lawyers at Fried Goldberg LLC can help you determine how to best move forward. After decades of fighting for clients, we understand the strategies needed to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Our truck accident lawyers hold negligent parties accountable
Trash trucks are a necessary part of any community, but as much as they benefit our communities, waste vehicles can also be responsible for harm and devastation. There are crashes involving waste removal vehicles every year in Georgia and throughout the country.
A major challenge with waste removal trucks is that not all are equipped with backup cameras, making it difficult for drivers to see what is behind them when they are backing up, which is very often. This fact is particularly troubling concerning trash trucks in residential neighborhoods, which pass through streets where small children play. Already hard to see even from cars, small children are completely invisible to garbage truck drivers without a backup camera.
Aside from lacking rear cameras, large waste removal trucks also have significant blind spots, obstructing views from the front and sides of the vehicle. Unlike other commercial vehicles and large trucks, many garbage trucks are equipped with front or side loading arms that add an extra few feet around the vehicle and obstruct the driver’s view directly in front of the truck.
A garbage truck driver usually can’t see:
- Directly in front of the cab
- To the right of the cab
- Behind the driver’s window
- The tailgate
Trash trucks are also challenged with keeping a center of balance. These vehicles are top heavy, making them prone to rolling over. Depending on which type of cargo the truck is hauling, the vehicle has the potential of being flammable and/or hazardous, making for a disastrous combination.
Lastly, poor weather conditions can be dangerous for all kinds of vehicles, but because of their size, garbage trucks have an even more difficult time slowing down and braking. Their heavy weight does not allow them to maneuver quickly in an emergency.
What injuries do garbage truck accidents cause?
A collision involving a garbage truck can result in serious injuries for victims. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Disfigurement
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limb and amputations
- Spinal cord damage that can lead to paralysis and paraplegia
- Severe lacerations and burns
- Broken, dislocated, and fractured bones
- Serious internal bleeding or organ damage
In some cases, injuries are too severe for victims to recover. If you have lost a loved one in a garbage truck accident, we can help. We will represent your loved one with dignity and sensitivity while pursuing justice on their behalf.
Garbage Truck Accident FAQ
- Who can be held liable for a garbage truck accident?
- Where do most garbage truck accidents occur?
- How long will a garbage truck accident lawsuit take?
- How can a lawyer help if I was hit by a garbage truck?
What to do after an accident with a garbage truck
After your health has been assessed, the next question you may want to consider is whether or not you should hire an attorney who has experience with accidents involving garbage trucks. What you do directly following such an accident could greatly impact your claim if you choose to file one.
Consider the following tips for what to do after an accident with a garbage truck:
- If you’ve been in an accident with a dump truck, it’s highly advised that you see a doctor – even if you feel fine. You may have sustained injuries that are not immediately detectable, and if you are unaware of them, they could worsen. This could hurt your case, so please see a doctor as soon as you can and save all documentation – you may need it later.
- Photographs are key, so if you were unable to take any when the accident occurred, try returning to the scene if possible. Take photos of the street, area, your vehicle or bike, and any injuries you suffered as a result. Try to capture all vehicles involved in the wreck.
- If you haven’t done so already, call the police and file a report. Obtain a copy of the report, which will be necessary when arguing your case. Not only is the official police report vital, but you should also keep a record of any expenses related to the accident (doctor’s visits, medical treatments, missed wages, car repairs, etc.).
- Lastly, it’s highly recommended that you contact a trucking accident attorney.
What types of damages can I recover in a garbage truck accident case?
Personal injury claims are unique in the field of law. While criminal charges seek justice by punishing the offenders, civil claims revolve around making the injured person “whole” or returning them closer to their status before the accident.
The “made whole doctrine” places a monetary value on injuries ranging from bodily harm to property damage. Commonly referred to as “damages,” your garbage truck accident lawyers can evaluate your collision for many types of damages.
Medical expenses
Medical expenses can include treatment immediately following the collision and any future treatment for serious injuries. They often include:
- Surgery or multiple surgeries
- Home health care
- The hospital stay
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Medical devices
Catastrophic injuries may require home and vehicle modifications, ongoing medical treatments associated with a disability, and more. Our attorneys have exceptional experience in complex medical cases. We can place a value on your future medical needs and secure the compensation you need.
Lost income
It is not uncommon for garbage truck accident victims to lose a large amount of income while recovering from their injuries. You may be entitled to recover loss of earnings while you are unable to work.
In some cases, serious injuries can cause permanent disability. Our garbage truck accident attorneys can help if you cannot continue your employment or will be forced into a different career path apart from your education and experience.
Loss of future earning capacity damages can be estimated to offset the undue economic burden.
Property loss
Garbage trucks can do an immense amount of damage. If your vehicle, home, jewelry, or other items were lost due to the collision, you are entitled to reimbursement for repairs or the fair market value of the items.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering damages can be challenging to place a monetary value on. When harm is intangible, insurance agents, judges, and jurors may not fully understand the pain and how it has affected you.
At Fried Goldberg, LLC, our attorneys know the key to success is to present your suffering in such a way that a reasonably healthy person can empathize and comprehend.
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of enjoyment of life is another intangible damage. If your injuries keep you from taking pleasure in aspects of your day-to-day life, you may be able to recover the loss.
Emotional distress
Serious injuries can traumatize survivors. When a garbage truck collision leaves a psychological impact, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- PTSD
- Clinical depression
- Anxiety and fear
- Sleep loss
Loss of consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the effects a serious accident can have on the relationship with the injured party’s spouse. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries and are no longer able to continue a physical relationship with your partner, you may be entitled to damages.
Your injuries may also qualify if they are severe enough you can no longer maintain a supportive or emotional parental relationship. For example, traumatic brain injuries can leave a mother with permanent damage and prevent her from forming new memories with her child.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are unique. They are awarded as punishment for a negligent party and are not calculated by sustained property, emotional, or bodily injuries.
When a person or business is grossly negligent, punitive damages serve to prevent others from acting in a similar way.
How a garbage truck attorney can help after a fatal crash
Any kind of vehicle accident can be fatal, but a garbage truck crash is even more likely to be lethal. The sheer size and weight of large trucks, coupled with heavy, hazardous loads, can have tragic consequences.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal garbage truck accident, our compassionate attorneys are here for you and your family. We understand the grief and anguish of losing a loved one unexpectedly.
No amount of money can ease the pain of such a loss. However, filing a wrongful death claim can provide the closure and answers you need to move on. Our wrongful death attorneys are here to help you and your family during this difficult time.
We will represent your loved one with dignity and sensitivity while pursuing justice on their behalf. By filing a fatal garbage truck accident claim, you may prevent future wrongdoing and help ease any financial burden placed on your family.
Get a garbage truck accident lawyer you can trust
Many attorneys handle car accidents, but few have real experience litigating large trucking accidents involving commercial vehicles such as garbage trucks. When you think about giving your case to an attorney, be sure to verify their experience with handling cases like yours.
At Fried Goldberg, we are The Truck Accident Attorneys. While we are located in Georgia, we have successfully fought and won cases all over the country and represent the injured nationwide. In fact, more than 95% of our firm’s practice is dedicated solely to handling large trucking accidents. We have your and your family’s best interests at heart, and we are qualified and prepared to fight for it.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of truck accidents and helping them move on with their lives, including those who have been injured or harmed in accidents with garbage trucks. We have won substantial settlements on behalf of our clients to help offset medical bills, missed wages and even their pain and suffering. We can help you, too.
Contact us to schedule a free, private consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We can help you decide the best course of action and your consultation is without obligation.
Who can be held liable for a garbage truck accident?
Liability can be complex in garbage truck collisions. There may be more than one party responsible, including:
- The driver of the truck
- The company that owns the truck, if applicable
- The city or town, if applicable
Our garbage truck accident attorneys can determine all responsible parties and help you navigate the specific requirements to file a claim.
Where do most garbage truck accidents occur?
Accidents with garbage trucks are more likely to happen on neighborhood streets. While driver error is the number one cause of garbage truck accidents, unmaintained city streets are also a problem. Garbage truck collisions on city and rural streets can be attributed to:
- Roadway design error
- Potholes
- Uneven shoulder
- Lack of pedestrian walkways
- Broken traffic lights
- Construction zones
How long will a garbage truck accident lawsuit take?
Every garbage truck accident is different with a unique set of circumstances. The seriousness of the accident and who is at fault for the collision play major roles in the length of a personal injury claim.
It is important that you speak to one of our garbage truck accident lawyers today to determine the critical factors in your case.
How can a lawyer help if I was hit by a garbage truck?
Obtaining a fair settlement for your injuries after a garbage truck accident can be complicated. Garbage truck companies can employ evasive maneuvers by delaying your claim or even such unsavory tactics as to refuse service.
If you have a claim against the city, it is not uncommon for garbage truck accident victims to feel pressured to settle for a settlement lower than they deserve. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to fight for you.