The Hazards of Garbage Truck Accidents

Thu 30th Jul, 2020 Personal Injury

Garbage trucks are an essential part of our communities. Unfortunately, this also means that garbage truck accidents can happen just about anywhere. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, an accident with a garbage truck can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.

Victims of garbage truck accidents in and around Stockton, CA, and Central Valley, CA, are encouraged to contact a truck accident lawyer at McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP, for help-seeking compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

The Dangers of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage trucks may not seem threatening, but their size and weight can make a collision very dangerous. When a small car–or worse, a pedestrian or bicyclist–gets in an accident with a garbage truck, it can lead to devastating injuries or fatalities.

Because of their size, garbage trucks are not always easily maneuverable and can take longer to stop when braking. Not only does the size and maneuverability of garbage trucks increase the dangers of accidents but also the way in which garbage trucks operate. When collecting trash, garbage trucks frequently pull over and reenter traffic, which can lead to major accidents.

For example, if a bicyclist speeds by while a garbage truck is pulled over to collect trash and the truck driver doesn’t see the bicyclists when he pulls back onto the road, it can lead to a serious accident.

What Are Some Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents?

Garbage trucks are a part of daily life and can be seen operating throughout Stockton and nearby areas. Although most encounters with garbage trucks are uneventful, some people will be involved in an accident.

There are many possible causes of garbage truck accidents, but some of the most notable include:

Large blind spots or poor visibility
Improper maintenance of garbage trucks
Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Negligence in servicing garbage trucks
Driver failure to follow traffic laws

Types of Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents

An accident with a garbage truck may result in minor to severe, life-threatening injuries. For some, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, severely impacting their quality of life and their ability to earn a living.

The extent of injuries largely depends on the details of the accident but may include:

Lacerations
Bone fractures
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Paralysis
Internal bleeding
Loss of limbs
Concussion

Contact the Attorneys of McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP

Victims who have been injured in a garbage truck accident may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages, hospital bills, and other damages related to their injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident and would like to learn more about your options for pursuing compensation, please call 209-477-8171 or schedule a consultation online with one of our truck accident lawyers today.

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