Garbage Truck Accidents
Request Free ConsultationGarbage trucks are bulky, constantly stopping vehicles driven by tired workers. Accidents with these trucks can cause serious injury and property damage to victims. Understanding the causes of garbage truck accidents can help you determine the legal steps to take if you are injured in one. Talk to a Nashville truck accident attorney from Selvidge Injury Law today.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents are nearly always preventable incidents. They occur as a result of one or more factors such as:
- Poor driver visibility: The size of the truck creates a high risk of accidents because drivers struggle to see around the structure. These vehicles also tend to have larger blind spots.
- Erratic driving: These trucks make frequent stops and can be driven erratically by drivers. A driver who fails to check before advancing to the next home may cause a serious accident even at a slow speed.
- Poor maintenance: Like all vehicles, garbage trucks require good maintenance and upkeep. If that does not happen, the vehicle can break down and cause an accident. Additionally, equipment from the truck can also break off or malfunction, causing debris to strike other drivers.
- Improper loading: Trucks that are overfilled or not loaded with acceptable material could cause an accident if they break down.
- Driver inexperience and distraction: Garbage truck drivers could be at fault if they are speeding, driving intoxicated, or otherwise are reckless behind the wheel. In some cases, an untrained driver can cause serious accidents due to their inability to control the vehicle.
In each of these situations, victims of accidents should take steps to gather as much information as possible from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of the scene as it occurred. Report the incident to the city as well.
You Can File a Claim for Losses After Garbage Truck Accidents
If you are hurt due to the negligence of a garbage truck driver or company, you may be able to seek compensation for any losses you can demonstrate. This includes:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Property damage to your vehicle or other assets
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
It is critical to see legal representation to help you navigate these types of more complex cases, especially if your injuries are severe. Insurance companies for garbage truck companies will try to limit your ability to recover fair damages. Your Nashville accident lawyer near you becomes your advocate throughout this process.
Why You Need a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney
Garbage truck accidents can be complex cases for several reasons. These trucks may be owned by city or county organizations. Many are private companies. Depending on those circumstances, victims may need to pursue legal action against one or more parties. Having a garbage truck and an accident lawyer to help you could be critical.
In addition, many of these accidents cause serious injury and loss. You may be facing a long road to recovery, long-term inability to work, and pain and suffering. An attorney familiar with the types of damage this type of truck can cause will work closely with you to better navigate the process of documenting all of your losses.
Discuss Your Garbage Truck Accident with Our Legal Team
At Selvidge Injury Law, our Nashville personal injury lawyers understand that garbage truck accidents can result in severe injuries and substantial losses for victims. If you are facing a long road to recovery, we strongly encourage you to set up a free consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Nashville, TN for guidance.