Personal Injury Lawyer
Garbage trucks often present a nuisance or even a hazard to surrounding motorists. They make frequent stops and travel very slowly as they move through neighborhoods. In Washington DC, street parking makes this even more frustrating, because there is often not enough space for passenger vehicles to pass garbage trucks. When passing, particularly without slowing down, they can cross solid lines or change lanes suddenly and thus increase the likelihood of an accident. In situations like these, the operators of the garbage truck are rarely at fault. The accident is more often the responsibility of the impatient driver who didn’t want to wait for the truck to move. Trying to get around a garbage truck prematurely can lead to serious property damage as well as the risk of bodily harm for those in the vehicle and any other driver or pedestrian on the roadway.
Recently, a garbage truck collided with a bus in Florida. The garbage truck was simply trying to back out of the garbage area of the school and it made significant contact with the bus. Initially, the driver of the bus was pinned inside the vehicle, but was able to escape with the assistance of first responders. None of the sanitation workers operating the truck were harmed in the accident. Garbage vehicles often cannot view their surroundings because of the nature of their automobiles. They constantly repeat the pattern of stopping and starting numerous times while on their route. Even in a school setting, garbage trucks are susceptible to hitting other vehicles that cross their path.
Most accidents that occur between two vehicles could have been avoided with cautionary driving techniques. When both drivers are aware of their surroundings and at an optimal mental state to operate a moving vehicle, the risk of an accident is greatly decreased. This is true even when there are significant hazards or obstacles, like a garbage truck. However, when a driver is distracted or not giving his or her full attention to the road, hazards became far more serious. Whether due to the use of a mobile phone, texting, or passenger/radio noise, the presence of distractions greatly increases the risk that a hazard like a garbage truck will result in an accident.
What should you do if you are struck by a garbage truck moving through your neighborhood? First, you should seek medical attention for any type of injury, no matter how insignificant it may be. Even bumps and bruises can be reported and the defendants are liable in a suit. Next, you should avoid the insurance company’s likely request to settle. Garbage companies are enormous entities with a detailed insurance policy. The insurance companies do not want you to litigate to seek the full amount in damages because they want to keep the financial remedies as low as possible. The final and most important thing you should do if you are in an accident with a garbage truck is to seek legal representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer. We have your best interests in mind when you come to us with your issue. Do not let insurance companies take away your right to get the help you deserve.
Thank you to MartinWren, P.C. for their input into truck accidents and the law.