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The most dangerous truck to a pedestrian is a trash truck. While these massive vehicles wind their way through neighborhoods, they present a risk to people walking the streets. When a 60,000-pound garbage truck strikes an unexpected pedestrian, they are likely to suffer a severe or fatal injury. In addition to the danger trash trucks present to the pedestrians, these large commercial trucks are also involved in accidents for the same reasons that plague other motorists. When a trash truck collides with a smaller vehicle, it often results in devastating injuries.
If you or a loved one was harmed by a garbage truck, contact our Fort Worth garbage/trash truck accident lawyer immediately. The lawyers and staff at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. have years of experience dealing with complex truck accident cases. To schedule a free consultation, call (817) 476-1797.
Common Causes of Garbage and Trash Trucks Accidents in Fort Worth
Trash trucks are a common sight on Fort Worth streets. They are so common that many people are unaware they are there. These massive vehicles move unnoticed through Fort Worth until something tragic occurs. When an accident happens, including striking a pedestrian or colliding with another vehicle, the result is often catastrophic.
As any experienced driver will tell you, there are many potential causes of truck and car accidents. However, trash trucks present a set of unique factors that increase the likelihood of an accident.
Driver Fatigue
All drivers get tired, and fatigue is a common cause of accidents. Collecting garbage typically starts early in the morning, and days are long. Many trash truck drivers fail to get enough sleep regularly, leading to drivers operating their massive vehicles while exhausted.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is probably the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents. When a driver is not paying full attention to operating their vehicle, accidents occur. As part of their job, garbage truck drivers are required to multi-task. In addition to driving their truck, they must collect trash, maneuver down alleys and small streets, be aware of trash cans and containers, and pay attention to other vehicles and pedestrians. Just focusing on these tasks alone might cause a trash truck driver to make a crucial error, but when a driver is texting, eating, or engaged in conversation with another trash collector, the risk of an accident increases.
Blind Spots
Garbage trucks have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. Because of this, if a driver is not focused on the traffic and road around them, they could easily miss a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle. A small miscalculation or errant maneuver could result in a devastating injury to an unsuspecting person.
Trash Truck Maintenance
Many trash trucks are older and not adequately maintained. When lights or reverse alarms are not functioning the way they should, a garbage truck poses a greater risk to other people. In some cases, if a trash truck has become filthy, a driver’s ability to see through the windshield could be compromised.
Reckless Operation
To complete their day faster, some truck drivers will go about their work while ignoring traffic rules and regulations. Slowly creeping through a red light could result in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian. Additionally, due to the nature of the work, garbage trucks make frequent and often unexpected stops. If the brake lights are not working or if a driver is not paying attention, a motorist or cyclist behind a garbage truck might not have time to react to avoid a collision.
It is not uncommon for debris to fall from the back of a trash truck if the garbage was not appropriately secured. When waste unexpectedly falls from a truck, it could injure a pedestrian or cause an accident.
Proving Liability in a Fort Worth, TX Garbage Truck Accident Lawsuit
In many cases, the operator of the garbage truck will be held responsible for your injuries if they were found to have acted negligently. However, our experienced Fort Worth trash truck attorney will thoroughly examine your case to determine if other parties could be held accountable. In some situations, the facts surrounding your accident will point to the driver’s employer as well.
Who owns the truck will factor into accountability and your recovery. Trash trucks could be owned and operated by the city, county, or a private company. Ownership will affect what insurance coverage is available and how liability should be apportioned.
Our office will also ensure that the company had the correct permits in place to operate. Furthermore, it is essential to determine if the garbage truck driver possessed an appropriate commercial driver’s license.
Damages for Fort Worth Garbage Truck Accidents
If you were injured due to the negligence of a garbage truck driver or their employer, you are entitled to seek monetary compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The compensation you are awarded is typically broken down into two categories.
First, you could recover your financial losses. These economic damages include your medical expenses, lost income, and property damages. Our office will work with your healthcare providers to ensure we include your past medical costs and any costs that will be necessary for the future. Likewise, we will calculate the income you have lost due to your injury, along with the income you would have earned if you were not involved in the accident.
In addition to your monetary losses, you could be compensated for your pain and suffering. Non-economic damages are challenging to quantify but often make up a significant portion of an injury settlement. You could recover for everything from emotional distress to your inability to enjoy
Call Our Fort Worth Garbage/Trash Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Garbage trucks are everywhere through Fort Worth, operating daily. When a trash truck driver acts recklessly or negligently, they place the residents of Fort Worth at risk. Our Fort Worth garbage/trash truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding operators and their employers responsible for the injuries they cause. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a trash truck, contact our Texas personal injury lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. today. Call (817) 476-1797 to schedule a free appointment to review your case.