Waste collection vehicles, commonly known as garbage trucks, retrieve and haul trash and recyclable materials. While Garbage trucks are essential in keeping our communities clean, they can also be very dangerous. Vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians frequently encounter garbage trucks. If garbage truck accidents happen, it is probably no minor event. Impact with a vehicle weighing 50,000-60,000 pounds can be fatal.
Have you been involved in a Houston garbage truck accident due to someone else’s negligence?
After severe accidents involving garbage trucks, you are likely suffering the consequences of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Gibson Hill Personal Injury would like to help you seek justice and compensation for your lost wages and injuries. Our legal team has years of experience with garbage truck cases and knows who to hold accountable for negligent accidents.
Call us at (713) 659-4000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will help you determine if you have a case, file a claim, and even see a garbage truck accident lawsuit through. Our Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay until you win.
Is It Worth Hiring a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer?
Yes, it is worth hiring an experienced attorney to represent you. Recovering after garbage truck accidents and serious injuries can be painful and emotionally taxing. Your recovery and claims process can be a lot easier with the help of experienced garbage truck accident lawyers.
Securing Compensation
If you’ve been injured in such accidents, you likely qualify for compensation. However, actually securing compensation can sometimes be challenging. With Gibson Hill Personal Injury by your side, we actively pursue the liable parties for damages. Our legal team will defend your rights, making the garbage truck accident claim process easier for you.
Gathering Evidence
Our experienced lawyers gather all the evidence needed to craft a strong personal injury case for you. We manage all communications with the insurance company, leveraging our negotiation skills. While you concentrate on recovery, we work to demonstrate that you deserve a fair settlement. You only pay fees once we win your case.
Potential Houston Garbage Truck Accident Victims
Anyone near a garbage truck can become a victim of a garbage truck accident, and here’s why:
- Vehicle drivers and occupants: Garbage trucks operate throughout the day, sharing the road with other vehicles. They frequently stop and start and can often unexpectedly block the paths of other drivers and catch them off guard.
- Motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians: These individuals can be hard for garbage truck drivers to see, easily disappearing in the truck’s blind spots.
- Waste collection employees: Waste collection employees, being around the trucks daily, are the most likely victims of garbage truck accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, waste collection employees had the fifth-highest fatal work injury rate among civilian occupations in 2018. Employees injured in a Houston garbage truck accident may qualify for workers’ compensation and other potential third-party damages.
How Garbage Truck Accidents Can Happen
Due to their size, garbage trucks don’t maneuver like standard automobiles. Garbage truck drivers may struggle to see other vehicles or people nearby despite having mirrors, leading to blind spots. While this contributes to such accidents, other factors also play a role:
- Route locations: Garbage trucks need to collect waste everywhere, including populated areas like neighborhoods, apartment complexes, schools, and shopping centers. The more vehicles and people they encounter, the greater the risk of accidents.
- Frequent stops and starts: Frequent stops and starts along their routes make garbage trucks unpredictable to other vehicles. Motorists may rear-end the truck when not anticipating a stop or get hit while trying to pass a truck that starts earlier than expected.
- Driver distraction or negligence: Speeding, failing to use turn signals, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running stop signs and traffic lights, and other irresponsible driving can cause accidents. Drivers who are fatigued or distracted by using their phones or other interferences are also at risk of provoking a collision.
- Inclement weather: Trash pick-up is required when at all possible, even during hazardous weather. Conditions like heavy rain and snow can make roads slippery and impair garbage truck drivers’ visibility.
- Inadequate maintenance: With the extensive mileage garbage trucks cover, proper inspection and repairs are essential for safety. Accidents can occur if waste management companies neglect maintenance or if design and manufacturing defects lead to equipment failure.
Common Injuries from Houston Garbage Truck Accidents
Accidents involving heavy vehicles like garbage trucks can pose a higher risk of causing serious or even fatal injuries compared to other auto accidents. Various severe injuries commonly sustained in Houston garbage truck accidents include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful Death
How Do I Get Compensation for My Garbage Truck Accident Injuries?
A city government or private company can operate garbage collection services. If your garbage truck accident involved a city-owned garbage truck, legal action is different than against a private party. Government entities typically enjoy liability protection, but you can still pursue a personal injury claim.
Tort Claims
However, the Texas Tort Claims Act does allow agencies to be held responsible for personal injury when there is government employment negligence or defective government property. Suing any government entity has its challenges. The help of a law firm with an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer is essential for a successful outcome.
Beware the insurance company
Both public organizations and private waste management companies have teams of insurance professionals and experts to defend against personal injury claims. These insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart. You need legal representation to navigate this process and fight for your rights, ensuring you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Get reimbursed for your damages
Once we identify all parties at fault for your garbage truck accident injury, your garbage truck accident lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation available. You can be reimbursed for the following damages:
- All related medical bills
- Lost current and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Relevant out-of-pocket expenses
How Are the Liable Parties in Garbage Truck Accidents Determined?
Parties other than the garbage truck company can also be held liable, which may include:
- Garbage truck driver: Sometimes, the garbage truck driver is at fault due to negligent driving. This can also lead to holding the owner responsible for hiring a negligent driver.
- Other drivers: If another vehicle driver’s carelessness caused your accident with a garbage truck, they would be the responsible party.
- Maintenance and inspection contractors: A maintenance company contracted for garbage truck service and repairs can be liable if they are negligent about the required maintenance procedures.
- Truck or parts manufacturers: If a piece of defective equipment or a malfunctioning garbage truck caused the accident, the manufacturers may be at fault.
Get in Touch With a Houston Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer
Has a garbage truck accident disrupted your life or the life of a loved one? The knowledgeable and compassionate Houston garbage truck accident lawyers of Gibson Hill Personal Injury can protect your rights. Let us advocate for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at (713) 659-4000 or schedule a free consultation.
Houston Garbage Truck Accidents FAQs Answered
When you come in for your free consultation with one of our Houston garbage truck accidents attorneys, we will be able to discuss all of your questions and concerns. In the meantime, here are a few answers to common questions posed by our clients.
How long do I have to file a garbage truck injury claim?
Personal injury claims for commercial vehicle crashes in Houston, such as garbage truck accidents, must be filed within two years of the incident date. While there are a few exceptions to this deadline, starting a claim as soon as possible after the accident is always preferable.
Additionally, most cities require you to provide notice of legal action against a governmental agency within 180 days. Therefore, it’s crucial to promptly contact one of our Houston garbage truck accident attorneys to learn about your options.
What can I do to ensure I get the maximum settlement I deserve?
Keeping documentation for all your qualified expenses for your garbage truck accident is crucial. Make sure to retain receipts for every bill and payment related to your garbage truck accident case injuries. We aim to ensure your claim covers all your expenses.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You don’t need to worry about upfront legal fees. We collect our fees from the damages you’re awarded, not directly from you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay. Contact our legal team for a free consultation with an experienced attorney and we can determine if you have a personal injury claim.
