Why Garbage Truck Accidents Are Dangerous?
Garbage truck accidents in Houston can have a devastating impact, causing significant injuries, fatalities, property damage, and economic losses. Garbage trucks, being larger and heavier than passenger cars, can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles in collisions. Due to their size and weight, collisions at highway speeds can lead to the total destruction of passenger cars. A Houston garbage truck accident lawyer can guide you if you or your loved one has been involved in an accident with a garbage truck in Houston.
In Texas, there have been over 19,000 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2021 alone, resulting in 685 fatalities and 3,820 serious injuries. The Texas Department of Transportation reported that Texas had the highest number of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2020, with 513 fatal accidents and 581 deaths.
In response to the alarming statistics, the Texas Department of Public Safety has implemented programs like the Texas Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) to provide education, training, and enforcement of regulations for commercial drivers
Houston Garbage Accident Lawyer
Understanding Your Rights in a Garbage Truck Accident Claim
If you have been injured by a garbage truck, you have the right to file a claim for damages. Garbage trucks, like any other vehicles, must adhere to the rules of the road, and if their negligence or misconduct led to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Garbage truck accidents most frequently occur on residential streets as the trucks start and stop to pick up garbage. They can also happen in commercial areas with alleyways where garbage trucks collect commercial waste. These trucks tend to travel at low speeds, reducing the likelihood of major accidents, but other mechanisms on the trucks, such as the lifting device for trash cans, can still cause injuries.
Garbage truck operations can be handled by government entities or private companies, and the legal process may differ based on who operates the truck. Municipalities may have specific rules and immunities for lawsuits against government-owned trash collection services, while different rules apply to private companies. Consulting with a Houston garbage truck accident lawyer experienced in garbage truck accidents can help determine which set of rules will govern your personal injury lawsuit.
Injuries in Houston Garbage Truck Accident
Some of the most common injuries in garbage truck accidents include:
- Head injuries: Garbage truck accidents can cause a variety of head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-term consequences, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes.
- Neck and back injuries: Garbage truck accidents can also cause serious neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be very painful and debilitating, and they can make it difficult or impossible to work or perform everyday activities.
- Broken bones: Garbage truck accidents can also cause broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs. Broken bones can take several weeks or even months to heal, and they can be very painful.
- Crush injuries: Garbage truck accidents can cause crush injuries, especially if a person is pinned between two vehicles or under a garbage truck. Crush injuries can be very serious, and they can lead to amputation, nerve damage, and other complications.
- Burns: Garbage truck accidents can also cause burns, especially if the truck is carrying flammable materials. Burns can be very painful and debilitating, and they can require extensive medical treatment.
In addition to these physical injuries, garbage truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you have been injured in a garbage truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine who is liable for your accident and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Who is Responsible For Garbage Truck Accidents in Houston
In garbage truck accidents in Houston, responsibility can be attributed to various parties depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are the potential parties that may be responsible:
- Garbage Truck Driver: The driver of the garbage truck may be held responsible if their negligence, such as speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving, contributed to the accident.
- Garbage Truck Company: The company that owns and operates the garbage truck may also be liable. If the driver was an employee of the company and was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred, the company may be held responsible for the driver’s actions.
- Other Drivers: In some cases, other drivers on the road may share responsibility for the accident. If another vehicle’s actions or negligence contributed to the collision with the garbage truck, that driver may be held partially responsible.
- Maintenance and Inspection Teams: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or a maintenance issue with the garbage truck, the maintenance and inspection teams responsible for ensuring the vehicle’s safety may bear responsibility.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other factors related to the condition of the roadways, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Determining responsibility in garbage truck accidents can be complex and may require a thorough investigation. Victims of such accidents may seek legal counsel to help identify the responsible parties and pursue compensation for their injuries and damages.
Finding the Right Houston Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case
When it comes to legal matters, finding the right lawyer is essential. If you have been involved in a garbage truck accident in Houston, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a garbage truck accident lawyer who can navigate the complexities of your case.
Finding the right Houston garbage truck accident lawyer may seem like a daunting task but conducting thorough research is crucial. Look for attorneys who specialize in personal injury law and have extensive experience handling cases similar to yours. It’s important to choose someone who not only has the expertise but also demonstrates compassion towards their clients’ needs.
Don’t hesitate to schedule initial consultations with multiple lawyers before making your decision. This allows you to discuss your case details directly with each attorney and determine if they are the right fit for you.
Remember that time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims – there are deadlines for filing lawsuits, and evidence can fade or disappear over time. So, don’t delay in seeking legal representation if you have been involved in a garbage truck accident in Houston.
Discuss Your Case With Houston Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
Garbage truck accidents present unique challenges when determining negligence. Trash trucks are often allowed to perform actions that would be considered dangerous if done by other vehicles, such as driving on the wrong side of the street or straddling the center median.
Proving fault may require a careful examination of the specific rules applicable to garbage trucks in your state. Additionally, comparative fault rules may affect the amount of compensation you can recover if you are found partially at fault for the accident
In garbage truck accident cases where the driver or trucking company is at fault, you may pursue compensation for economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Proving negligence or violations of laws or regulations can strengthen your case.
Our law firm Joel A. Gordon specializes in garbage truck accidents, we can assess the specific circumstances of your case and protect your rights. Our Houston garbage truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.