Questions of Liability in a Garbage Truck Accident

 Posted on October 10, 2024 in Car Accidents

Garbage collectors provide an important service to the communities they serve. Without them, neighborhoods could have obstructed roads, hygiene risks, and other challenges. However, garbage trucks can also pose a risk to other cars on the road, and they are involved in many accidents that have caused significant injury or death.

Since garbage trucks are often owned by a private company or a municipality, there can be questions about liability for damages. If you were injured in a collision with a garbage truck, contact a skilled Will County, IL personal injury attorney to understand your options.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage trucks are built to be able to transport everything they collect – heavy, sturdy, and bulky. They can be seen driving through residential areas as well as on main roads, and they are not very well-suited for either. Some of the more common causes of garbage truck accidents include:

• Low visibility and big blind spots

• Excessive weight

• Distracted or fatigued drivers

• Old or damaged truck parts 

• Faulty braking

• Failure to signal when turning

Who is Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident?

As with other types of commercial trucks, liability can fall on several parties when a garbage truck causes an accident. Possibilities include:

• The garbage truck manufacturer: If the truck or any of its parts are defective, this could cause an accident, making the manufacturer liable for damages.

• The waste management company: If the company hired incapable drivers, failed to provide proper training, enforced unsafe practices like unreasonably long shifts, or was found in any other way responsible, it might be liable for the accident.

• The local government: In some cities, garbage trucks are owned by private companies, but in other places, they are owned and operated by the city. If the city owns the truck that collided with you, the local government might be liable for your damages.

• The driver: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules and regulations that truck drivers need to follow. If the driver is found at fault for the accident, he might be liable for your injuries.

Possible Consequences of a Personal Injury Case After a Garbage Truck Accident

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might be able to receive compensation for several types of damages. While monetary compensation cannot make up for the trauma of being hurt in an accident, it can help you cover the expenses that you are stuck with as a result. Some of the most common damages people are compensated for include:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage, particularly to your car

• Nursing care

• Wrongful death

The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, who is liable, and other aspects of your accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet, IL Personal Injury Attorney

If you are injured in an accident with a garbage truck, contact an experienced Will County, IL personal injury lawyer for guidance on how to proceed. When an accident causes you to suffer, you should not be left to pay for what someone else did. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we are passionate about protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring they get compensation for their injuries. Call us at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation.