Garbage Truck Accidents in Washington, DC
Unlike other large commercial trucks, which mainly travel on highways and open roads, garbage trucks operate in residential areas. The smaller streets and high population density of these areas make garbage truck accidents especially dangerous. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and children at play can be easily injured or even killed by a garbage truck that makes an unsafe maneuver.
A study performed by the pedestrian advocacy group Right of Way revealed that more bicyclists and pedestrians are killed by garbage trucks than any other vehicle on the road.
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our truck accident attorneys have years of experience representing Washington DC garbage truck accident victims. We know what to do to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks may move slowly, but their size, limited maneuverability, and lack of visibility can create problems for drivers.
Several different factors can cause garbage truck accidents, including:
- Falling objects
- Driving in the wrong lane for ease of trash pick-up
- Faulty back-up alarms
- Backing up before looking
- Fatigued drivers
- Frequent starts and stops
- Inadequate maintenance
The employees that work in the back of the garbage truck can also be injured by the factors listed above. Brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injury, and even wrongful death are consequences of garbage truck accidents.
Victims of Garbage Truck Accidents
While anyone can be the victim of a garbage truck accident, certain groups of people are more vulnerable. These include:
- Waste Management Employees – Waste management and garbage collecting is one of the deadliest jobs in the United States. Waste management employees are surrounded by trucks and hazardous materials every day, making trash collectors the most vulnerable victims of garbage truck accidents.
- Vulnerable Transportation Users – Pedestrians, bicyclists, scooters, and other vulnerable users are smaller and lower to the ground than motor vehicles. Garbage truck drivers might hit them if they are in their blind spots.
- Other Drivers – Garbage trucks come across various vehicles on their routes. Cars, SUVs, buses, and commercial trucks may crash with garbage trucks due to driver error, tailgating, or poor road conditions.
What to Do After a Garbage Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been hit by a garbage truck, there are a few important things you should do:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. This is important for both your health and for building a strong personal injury claim.
- Do not give any statements to the police or insurance companies until you have spoken with an experienced personal injury attorney.
- Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos, videos, and eyewitness testimony.
- Contact a knowledgeable garbage truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Damages You Can Recover in a Garbage Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been involved in a garbage truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the accident’s impact on your life, and other factors.
Who is Liable For a Garbage Truck Accident?
If you have been injured by a garbage truck, you may be able to sue for damages related to your injuries caused by the accident. The at-fault party may include the truck driver, the driver’s employer, the truck company, or an insurance company.
Every case is different, so it is important to consult with an attorney about your case to decide what is the best course of action for you. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we understand this is a difficult time for you and will do everything we can to guide you through the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck crash that happened due to a negligent driver or maintenance company, you may be entitled to compensation. If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your truck accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.
Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.