Scottsdale Garbage Truck Accident Attorney
What are the Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents?
Garbage trucks offer a necessary service, especially in residential areas that are not close to a landfill or other facility for the disposal of trash and garbage. Sadly, trash trucks can cause severe injuries, including life-threatening and fatal injuries, when these large, heavy vehicles are involved in an accident. Our law office represents individuals and families who have suffered damages and losses because of a garbage truck accident.
How Common Are Trash Truck Accidents?
Accidents involving a garbage truck are more common than most people realize. In 2018, a train carrying GOP members of Congress crashed into a garbage truck that was on the train tracks. The accident occurred about 15 miles west of Charlottesville in Crozet, Virginia. One person died, and several people suffered non-fatal injuries. Even though this accident seems out-of-the-ordinary, truck crashes involving trash disposal vehicles are common.
An accident in November 2017 resulted in three children being admitted to the hospital. The crash occurred around 3:15 pm at the intersection of Seventh Street and Broadway Road in Phoenix. A Tempe city garbage truck collided with another vehicle waiting to turn left before hitting two parked cars and a building. The driver of the vehicle and three children, an 11-month old girl, 8-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy, were transported to the hospital. The driver of the garbage truck was evaluated but did not go to the hospital. There appeared to be no signs of impairment that may have contributed to the cause of the crash. Everyone involved in the crash was expected to survive.
Trash trucks are common vehicles on neighborhood streets. Because these vehicles make frequent stops and may move slower at times than other vehicles, people may not take the risk of an accident seriously. However, the movements of a garbage truck are unpredictable. Therefore, pedestrians, children, bicyclists, and motorists are at an elevated risk for an accident with a trash truck, especially in residential areas.
As with other accidents involving large vehicles, accidents involving garbage vehicles can result in serious injuries and death. A passenger vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian is simply not able to withstand an impact with a trash truck without significant injury because of the size and weight of the vehicle.
Causes of Crashes Involving Waste Management Vehicles
In addition to the attributes of the vehicle (i.e., weight, height, lack of quick maneuverability, and lack of visibility), there are several other factors that can contribute to a garbage truck crash including:
- Driver errors
- Malfunctioning or defective vehicle parts
- Distracted driving
- Drugged and drunk driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Lack of training
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Damaged, missing, or defective backup alarms
In some cases, the cause of the accident may involve the garbage truck driver. However, the actions of other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists can contribute to the cause of the collision.
Contact a Scottsdale Truck Accident Lawyer for Assistance
The injuries sustained in a trash truck accident can be severe. Injuries include lacerations and fractures as well as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death. The damages can be significant. An experienced lawyer can help recover compensation for injuries.
Contact our law office at 480-802-8232 to request a free consultation.
Source: “3 children hurt in Phoenix crash involving garbage truck.” Chris Coppola. The Republic/azcentral.com. 20 November 2017.