There are an inordinate amount of accidents involving garbage trucks, which typically involve pedestrian deaths or truck- automobile collisions. The number of deaths involved is stunning, especially considering that we expect our public servants to be responsible and aware of the risks of driving such a large and unwieldy vehicle.
Garbage truck accidents involve a number of different causes, including debris falling from the truck, rear-end collisions, swerving or driving in the wrong lane, changing lanes illegally, head on collisions, and loose truck wheels and tires.
There are many companies involved in garbage collection, which is a lucrative business. Some of the better-known companies are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and include BFI and Waste Management. The list of smaller garbage hauling companies is extensive.
Over the past few years, garbage truck accidents have arisen in the following contexts:
- Young man killed when his car was struck from behind by a speeding garbage truck;
- Garbage truck driver failed to properly secure loose tire, which came off a speeding truck and crashed through the windshield of another vehicle, killing the occupant;
- Garbage truck driver not paying attention, strikes and kills a young mother and seriously injures child;
- Cyclist riding bike struck and killed by negligent garbage truck driver
All commercial trucks, including garbage trucks, are subject to federal and state-mandated standards of maintenance of tires and all equipment.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply, both to garbage hauling companies, and their truck drivers. Usually, when these catastrophic garbage truck accidents occur, our attorneys discover that these crashes are a direct result of violations of FMCSA regulations.
Garbage truck accidents occur with alarming frequency. Because of the size of the garbage truck when compared with most vehicles, these collisions often result in significant injury or death to the occupant of the oncoming vehicle.
Truck companies have the obligation to maintain their trucking equipment in a safe manner and to safely hire and properly train their employees. Likewise, the drivers of garbage trucks must obey traffic rules and take appropriate precautions when pulling out into traffic or maintain their trucks. When these principles are violated, disaster strikes.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a garbage truck, you may likely have a case against the truck company and should consult a truck accident attorney for an evaluation of your claim. Call us for a Free Evaluation at 312-527-4500.