Garbage truck accidents can cause severe injuries to the victims and even result in fatalities. You can seek compensation for your injuries and other damages in such a case, including economic and non-economic damages.
Our Hialeah garbage truck accident lawyers can guide you through this challenging situation and fight for the best outcome.
How a Hialeah Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help
Garbage truck accidents usually occur due to various causes, making the vehicles unsafe for all motorists and pedestrians on the road. In Hialeah, trucking companies must maintain their trucks reasonably and ensure that they are safely transporting their solid waste to landfills, waste facilities, and sanitary disposal sites. The companies must also provide adequate training for the drivers of their trucks.
Your Hialeah truck accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. With this financial settlement, you can take care of your injuries and make up for what the accident has taken away from you regarding lost income and other damages.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks are huge, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. Add to that the fact that drivers often work long hours and sometimes fall asleep at the wheel, and it’s no wonder that garbage truck accidents are so common. Besides, negligence on the driver or the trucking company for which the driver is employed can cause accidents on the roads.
There are various reasons garbage truck accidents happen, including:
- Inclement Weather: Garbage trucks have a high center of gravity and large size, making them prone to rolling over. Bad weather can affect the stability of garbage trucks and make them more challenging to control. Rain, snow, ice, and wind can impair drivers’ visibility, making it more dangerous for them to navigate the road.
- Frequent Stopping: Garbage trucks make frequent stops on their routes, often backing up or turning around in driveways. This can be hazardous for other vehicles on the road. Some garbage trucks have blind spots in the rear mirrors, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and small vehicles behind their trucks.
- Route Locations: Drivers may be required to take unsafe routes through residential areas that involve narrow streets, steep hills, and sharp turns. These roads may also lack adequate lighting at night or during inclement weather conditions.
- Driver Negligence: Garbage truck drivers are often required to work long hours with limited breaks, leading to fatigue behind the wheel. Drivers may also be inexperienced in operating large vehicles or disregard safety regulations. Some drivers are under pressure to complete their route as quickly as possible, causing them to drive recklessly.
- Maintenance or Inspection Failure: The brakes on a commercial truck can wear out quickly, especially if they are not properly maintained. Also, tires can become worn out or underinflated over time, leading to a blowout or loss of control on the road.
- Lack of Training: Garbage trucks may require specialized training to operate them safely. If drivers do not receive this training before getting behind the wheel of a commercial truck, accidents may occur due to a lack of knowledge or experience.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), has developed specific rules that govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles, including garbage trucks. One such rule is that only fully licensed drivers who are certified can drive garbage trucks and all other commercial motor vehicles. Despite this, many people in Hialeah still fall victim to these accidents.
Victims of Garbage Truck Accidents
There are many garbage trucks, including rear loaders, front loaders, and side loaders. When these trucks are involved in accidents, many people may become victims, including:
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Other drivers
- Passengers in other vehicles
- Waste management employees
- Garbage truck maintenance workers
- People living near dumpsites
How to Avoid Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks are massive, intimidating, and slow-moving vehicles. They’re difficult to maneuver and at risk of tipping over if they make a sharp turn. This makes them dangerous for other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
Always be aware of your surroundings when driving or near a garbage truck to avoid accidents. Keep your eye on all the mirrors to see the truck’s front, side, and rear.
Here are some other tips to help you avoid an accident with a garbage truck:
- Be patient, as garbage trucks travel below the speed limit.
- Don’t pass a garbage truck unless there is plenty of room to do so safely.
- Keep a safe distance from garbage trucks to allow sudden stops or turns into your lane.
- Give extra space when following a garbage truck so you can see around it easily using your mirrors.
- Watch out for pedestrians around trash bins and dumpsters, as they may cross in front of a garbage truck without looking both ways first.
Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) also offers publications on avoiding injury or death from moving vehicles.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Legal Help
Although you may think that a garbage truck is the least likely vehicle to crash due to its slow speed, these large trucks can cause serious accidents. If you’re involved in such an accident, consider pursuing compensation for your damages.
Whatever the cause of your accident, you should be aware of your rights and whether you have a solid case. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to offer you legal help in filing your claim. Call us for a free consultation and more information.
We Can Help.
