Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

No community can do without the assistance provided by garbage trucks. We may see these workers engaging in physical work for hours for the purpose of keeping our neighborhoods clean.  

Although the work garbage trucks perform is essential, it is not risk-free. Garbage truck drivers can make mistakes or be careless. When this happens, an accident usually results. And since garbage trucks often work in residential areas, not only are other vehicles at risk, but pedestrians are, too. 

Accidents involving garbage trucks typically leave innocent victims with life-changing injuries. If a garbage truck accident has affected your or your loved one’s quality of your life, Fielding Law can help you get through this difficult time and move past it. 

Our attorneys have decades of experience with personal injury law and can provide the legal assistance you need. Call us at (877) 880-4090 to schedule your free consultation.

Most Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents can result from a variety of causes. Some could involve inclement weather, poor vehicle maintenance, and or a faulty truck part. However, in most cases, garbage truck accidents are the result of recklessness or negligence on the part of the driver. 

Some of the most common causes of garbage truck accidents include the following:

• Reckless driving: Speeding, reversing without warning, running red lights, and failing to yield to other vehicles and pedestrians are all forms of reckless driving.
• Distracted driving: Since garbage truck drivers are focused on the workers at the rear of the truck collecting the trash, they may proceed forward without checking their surroundings. 
• Fatigued driving: Garbage truck workers begin their work in the early hours of the day. As such, drivers may lack sufficient rest which would make them more susceptible to falling asleep behind the wheel. 
• Inexperienced driver: An improperly trained driver may be lacking in knowledge and skills on the stop-and-go movement of a garbage truck on the road. This lack of experience may result in an accident with a pedestrian or another vehicle.
• Falling objects: When objects fall to the ground from a garbage truck, cars and other vehicles might hit them or swerve to avoid impact. 

Although this list highlights the most common causes of garbage truck accidents, it is by no means comprehensive. Other factors do exist. The assistance of an attorney is absolutely vital to pinpoint the exact cause of the accident and hold the responsible party (or parties) liable. 

The attorneys of Fielding Law have years of experience handling truck accident cases, and we can help you obtain a fair settlement. Call us today to find out more.

Common Injuries From Garbage Truck Accidents 

Due to their size and weight, accidents involving garbage trucks tend to leave victims with catastrophic injuries. This means that these types of injuries permanently change every aspect of a victim’s life – physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of the most common injuries from garbage truck accidents include the following conditions.  

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very serious and can be fatal. As such, immediate medical attention is needed when a victim has suffered a TBI. These injuries can be internal, like concussions or contusions, or external, such as abrasions and punctures.  

Internal injuries

Victims of garbage truck accidents may suffer internal bleeding or their organs could be crushed. These injuries can definitely be life-threatening. Symptoms from internal injuries may not appear until weeks later – when it might be too late.

Spinal cord injuries

In accidents involving a garbage truck, a victim may suffer an injury to his or her spinal cord. The resulting condition can completely change a victim’s life in an instant, perhaps causing loss of motion or even paralysis. 

Broken Bones

Garbage truck accident victims can suffer fractures to bones externally and internally. Bones in the legs, pelvic area, ribs, arms, and shoulders can be broken after an accident. A fracture or break can be extremely painful, may require surgery, and could take a while to heal. 

Loss of limbs

Damage to a victim’s limbs is common in accidents that involve a garbage truck. Often, this type of injury leads to amputation. The innocent victim must learn how to live the rest of his or her life using a prosthetic or otherwise managing with fewer extremities, which can be excruciatingly difficult and traumatic.

Psychological injuries 

Victims of garbage truck accidents often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood swings, and depression. Professional therapy is often needed for an innocent victim to maintain a relatively normal life. 

Wrongful death

The most devastating loss from a garbage truck accident is the life of a loved one. The pain experienced by the family can be indescribable. Any suffering felt by the family is compounded by the realization that the accident could have been prevented.  

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive 

If you or your loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, it only makes sense that that person, or his or her insurance company, pays compensation for your losses and suffering. 

If you have lost a loved one, a garbage truck accident attorney can assist you with filing a wrongful death lawsuit. It’s worth it to get help to ensure you can receive a settlement that covers your losses beyond the limits of an insurer. 

Compensation for damages and loss may include:

• Present and long-term lost wages
• Present and long-term expenses for medical care
• Diminished earning capacity
• Household renovation for disability
• Loss of enjoyment in life 
• Pain and suffering
• Compensation for wrongful death

Keep in mind there is a legal time limit for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations in the state of Texas is 2 years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, it’s quite possible you won’t get a second chance to seek compensation for your loss. So make sure to speak with a Fielding Law personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later.

Why You Need the Assistance of a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney

Injuries suffered from garbage truck accidents not only can last a long time but can permanently alter the victim’s quality of life. Therefore, if you have been injured in an accident with a garbage truck, or your loved one has lost his or her life, let us help you get through this difficult time and get the compensation you are entitled to receive for your loss.   

Quite often after suffering a personal injury, the victim may speak with an insurance adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. This is a mistake. Insurance adjusters are skilled at tactics to reduce the amount of claims or to get the innocent party to quickly agree to a lower settlement. 

You should not have to settle for a lower amount of compensation for someone else’s negligence. The personal injury lawyers that you choose to represent you will have a direct impact on the outcome of your claim. When we take on your case, our truck accident attorneys will fight to get you a fair settlement.

Let Fielding Law’s garbage truck accident lawyers put their years of legal experience to work for you and get you every penny you deserve. Call us at (877) 880-4090 for a free consultation.