Garbage truck accidents involve large vehicles that can cause significant injuries and damage. These accidents occur when garbage trucks, due to their size and weight, collide with other vehicles, pedestrians, or property.
They often involve complex circumstances such as mechanical failures, operator error, or poorly maintained equipment. These accidents are more than just statistics for anyone affected—they can have life-changing consequences.
Victims may face expensive medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress. Understanding the legal and financial aftermath of such accidents is crucial, as it can determine how victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we help individuals impacted by garbage truck accidents pursue justice and compensation. With years of handling truck-related cases, we know how to defend our clients’ rights and ensure they navigate the legal process effectively. We focus on preserving evidence, meeting legal deadlines, and facing insurance companies so our clients recover in peace of mind.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents & Resulting Injuries
Garbage trucks are crucial for waste management, but their large size, heavy weight, and intricate operation can make them hazardous. Here are the leading causes of garbage truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Garbage truck operators often face demanding schedules, including early mornings and long shifts, which can cause fatigue. Fatigue reduces reaction times, impairs decision-making, and affects awareness—key factors for safely operating large vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that fatigue contributes to 13% of truck-related accidents annually. These crashes commonly involve rear-end collisions, rollovers, or sideswipes, leading to injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and broken bones for others on the road.
Mechanical Failures
Garbage trucks depend on complex systems like brakes, hydraulics, and steering, all of which need regular maintenance. If these systems are not maintained well, they can fail, leading to serious accidents. For example, brake failures or tire blowouts may cause a driver to lose control of the truck. These incidents often happen in residential areas and can result in injuries, including spinal cord damage or fractures, to pedestrians and other drivers.
Poor Visibility and Blind Spots
Garbage trucks often have large blind spots due to their size and design, making it hard for operators to see smaller vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. This lack of visibility leads to frequent sideswipes and collisions. These collisions often result in serious injuries, such as head trauma or internal organ damage, for those affected.
Improper Loading Practices
Improperly loaded garbage trucks pose a serious safety risk. Uneven or excessive weight can make the truck unstable, increasing the chances of tipping over during sharp turns or sudden stops. These accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, especially in crowded urban areas or residential streets.
Types of Injuries Common in Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents can cause serious, life-changing injuries because of the size and weight of these vehicles. Victims of these accidents may experience physical, emotional, and financial harm. Below, we outline the most common injuries caused by garbage truck accidents, their effects, and what typically causes them.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Collisions with garbage trucks may lead to traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries may lead to long-term issues affecting cognition, emotions, and physical abilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle accidents, including those involving large trucks, are one of the leading causes of TBIs in the United States.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Garbage truck accidents often cause spinal cord injuries, especially in rollovers or rear-end collisions. These injuries may also lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting the victim’s quality of life. Treatment, such as surgery and physical therapy, can be extremely costly.
- Back and Neck Injuries: Back and neck injuries, like herniated discs or whiplash, are some of the most common injuries caused by garbage truck accidents. These injuries can also cause chronic pain and reduced mobility, making it difficult for victims to work or handle daily activities. Even minor injuries may lead to lasting discomfort and require ongoing medical care.
- Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Garbage truck accidents can also cause deep cuts and damage to ligaments and tendons. These injuries are often painful and may result in long-term mobility problems or permanent disfigurement. Victims may also face complications, such as infections, requiring ongoing medical treatment and care.
- Psychological Trauma: Victims of garbage truck accidents suffer not only physical injuries but also severe emotional and psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These incidents can cause anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life, making professional mental health support essential for recovery.
The medical expenses and lost wages from these injuries can create a severe financial strain for victims. When third parties, like municipalities responsible for the truck or maintenance companies handling its upkeep, are involved, determining liability and compensation can become more complicated.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident?
In the chaotic aftermath of a garbage truck accident, understanding the parties who may be liable is critical. Multiple layers of responsibility arise, involving federal, state, and municipal regulations. These rules help outline duties and potential breaches, creating a path to determine who might bear accountability.
Garbage Truck Drivers
Misconduct or negligence by truck drivers can lead to significant damage and injuries. When drivers ignore safety protocols, their liability increases, potentially resulting in substantial penalties. Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence system, as stated in Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.765. This means a driver’s liability and penalties in an accident are based on their percentage of fault.
Trucking Companies or Municipalities
In Missouri, trucking companies and municipalities that own garbage trucks can be held legally responsible for accidents if they do not meet their duty of care. This duty includes hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and maintaining vehicles in safe working conditions. While Missouri Revised Statutes § 537.600 generally grants municipalities sovereign immunity from certain lawsuits, exceptions apply, such as cases involving negligent operation of motor vehicles.
Responsibility for Hiring and Training Drivers
Employers must ensure their drivers are properly licensed and trained, following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards, which Missouri enforces for commercial vehicles. If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving and that driver causes an accident, the company could be liable for negligent hiring.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
Missouri law requires all vehicles, including garbage trucks, to meet safety standards to prevent accidents. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 307.010, vehicles must be maintained in a condition that does not endanger others. Failing to conduct regular inspections, ignoring needed repairs, or operating unsafe vehicles may be considered negligence and lead to liability in the event of an accident.
Manufacturers of Defective Parts
The manufacturer might be liable if a defective part contributes to an accident. Under Missouri law (§ 537.760), a manufacturer may be held responsible if they sell a defective, unreasonably dangerous product to the user or consumer, and that defect directly causes injury or damage.
Hurt Trucker Attorneys can handle these intricate details. Our approach involves collaborative investigations, including leveraging legal options for owner-operators. We aim to paint a complete picture, ensuring that liable parties are identified and justice is pursued effectively.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Garbage Truck Accident
Accidents involving garbage trucks can be chaotic and overwhelming. Large vehicles like these can cause significant damage and leave those involved uncertain about what to do next.
First, we should immediately contact emergency services. It’s crucial to ensure everyone’s safety and get medical help for injuries, no matter how minor they seem. A prompt medical evaluation is essential for your health and can be important for legal processes later.
Next, documenting the scene is vital. You must take clear photos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, and the surrounding area. It’s also important to collect contact details from witnesses. This visual and firsthand information can be invaluable when discussing the incident with authorities and legal professionals.
Communication with insurance adjusters should be handled carefully. It’s advisable to consult with legal counsel before speaking to them directly. We must ensure our rights are protected by having professional guidance.
Contacting a garbage truck accident attorney as soon as possible is essential. They can provide the knowledge needed to navigate complex legal systems and help secure the compensation we may be entitled to.
Recovering Compensation After a Garbage Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a garbage truck accident in Missouri, you may be eligible for compensation to help recover and secure your financial future. Below are the main types of damages you can seek:
Medical Expenses
Missouri law allows accident victims to recover compensation for medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Plaintiffs can request reimbursement for all necessary medical treatments resulting from the accident. This helps ensure victims are not left struggling with overwhelming healthcare costs during their recovery.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Injuries from a garbage truck accident can cause victims to miss work and lose wages. Missouri courts also consider reduced earning capacity if the injuries prevent victims from returning to their previous jobs or handling the same workload. These economic damages are calculated using past earnings and expert opinions on future employment limitations.
Pain and Suffering
Under Missouri law, you can recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These damages cover the emotional impact of an accident, including anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life. When awarding compensation for pain and suffering, Missouri courts consider factors like the severity of the injury and how it affects the victim’s daily life over the long term.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve secured numerous fair settlements for our clients by understanding compensation figures. With our experience, we aim to alleviate the financial hardships that result from these unfortunate incidents.
Schedule a Consultation with Hurt Trucker Attorneys Today
Accidents involving garbage trucks can turn life upside down in an instant. It’s crucial to make informed decisions swiftly. Time is of the essence, and legal deadlines can complicate recovery efforts.
Our team is ready to offer guidance tailored to your situation. We understand the unique challenges faced by truckers dealing with personal injuries. With exceptional experience, we’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you through this process.
Meeting with us is the first step toward clarity and justice. Our dedicated team is here, ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of legal procedures and ensure you’re never alone in this journey.
Acting quickly is key. Let’s work together to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, now is the time to reach out. Take control of your situation with confidence.
