Auto Accidents and Garbage Trucks
Without question, sanitation workers provide a valuable and essential service to the Oklahoma City, OK community. They haul away waste on a regular basis and, most of the time, do so safely and efficiently.
Yet, like any other vehicle, garbage trucks can be involved in accidents. When they are, they can cause significant injuries to workers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians.
Auto accidents involving garbage trucks can cause serious injuries. If you are injured in an auto accident involving a garbage truck, contact the auto accident lawyers at The Tawwater Law Firm.
Hazards Posed by Garbage Trucks
The main hazard posed by garbage trucks is their size. That is because it can be difficult for the operator to see his or her surroundings in full.
This danger is heightened when the driver is operating in a narrow or confined space such as a dead end or alleyway. In addition, garbage trucks are frequently backing up. When backing up, pedestrians are particularly at risk, as the driver’s view is obstructed.
The truck loaders who hop on and off the truck are also in a dangerous position. If the truck backs up into a loader or takes off before he or she is securely on the truck it can result in serious injury or death.
Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents can happen on account of rear-end collisions, falling debris, unexpected stops, poor driving, driving in the wrong lane or the wrong way down a one-way street, head-on collisions, illegal lane changes, and a laundry list of other errors. Even loose wheels or underinflated tires can cause an accident.
In addition, the following list of causes are common:
- Driver error such as the driver backing up without checking behind the truck
- Warning alarms not going off when the truck is in reverse
- Failing to yield at a red light or stop sign
- Defects in the equipment (this may be the fault of the manufacturer)
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
Types of Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents
Unfortunately, in part due to their size, garbage truck accidents can be extremely devastating for the individuals injured in them. Common injuries in garbage truck accidents include:
- Burns
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Crush Injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
Determining Liability in Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents can be the result of negligence on the part of multiple parties:
- The Driver: Negligence on the part of the driver, such as failing to check his or her mirrors before backing up or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The Manufacturer: If defective equipment causes an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable
- The Sanitation Company: If the truck is not properly maintained, for example, routine maintenance such as a brake inspection is not performed, responsibility may fall on the company who owns the truck
Contact a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer
Garbage truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons. When a garbage truck accident causes you harm, it is important to have expert legal representation on your side.
Our team of seasoned attorneys at The Tawwater Law Firm will examine the facts to determine who is responsible for your injury. To learn more, contact us online or call (405) 607-1400 today.