Garbage trucks provide an essential service, but if one gets too close to one’s vehicle, there could be a serious accident. No surprise there: A typical garbage truck can weigh between 26,000 to 32,000 pounds when fully loaded. These car accidents can cause severe injuries, significant property damage, or worse.
It is critical to seek both medical and legal help after this type of accident.
What Are the Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents?
Garbage truck accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons:
- Driver negligence: Just like any vehicle operator, garbage truck drivers can be distracted, fatigued, or make poor decisions.
- Improper loading: If the truck is not loaded correctly, it can affect stability and braking.
- Blind spots: Garbage trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Vehicle maintenance issues: Garbage trucks require regular maintenance. Mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, can contribute to accidents.
- Inadequate training: If drivers have not received proper training, they may not be fully aware of how to operate the truck safely.
Who Is Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident?
Various parties may be held accountable for garbage truck accidents. The driver may be responsible if they acted negligently. However, the waste management company can also be held liable under vicarious liability if improper hiring practices, inadequate training, or maintenance issues contribute to the accident.
Additionally, other drivers may share liability if their reckless behavior or traffic violations caused the incident. Lastly, if a mechanical failure arises from a defect in the truck, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
How Do Garbage Truck Accident Claims Differ from Regular Car Accident Claims?
One significant difference is government involvement, as many garbage trucks are operated by municipal agencies or public entities. This means that claims against these agencies may involve specific legal requirements and shorter deadlines.
Additionally, due to potential government immunity, plaintiffs may face higher burdens of proof when filing claims against public entities. Another key difference lies in the insurance policies; the coverage for garbage trucks can differ from personal vehicle policies, which impacts the claims process.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Garbage Truck Accident?
Individuals injured in a garbage truck accident may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work while recovering from injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Damages related to physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life due to the accident.
- Property damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
The type and amount of compensation you may be entitled to reflect the specifics of the accident and the injuries sustained.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Garbage Truck Accident Claim?
Yes, there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, which apply to filing claims for accidents involving garbage trucks. These deadlines depend on state laws and whether the claim is against a private entity or a government agency.
Generally, the time limit for filing a personal injury claim ranges from one to three years, but claims against public entities often have shorter deadlines. Failure to file within the specified timeframe may result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.
The Knowledgeable Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Serve Clients Injured in Garbage Truck Collisions
If you were involved in a garbage truck accident in Delaware County, Chester County, or Montgomery County, you may have questions about your rights and the compensation available to you. The skilled Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can explain your options and work toward achieving a fair outcome. For a confidential consultation, call our Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, offices at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form.