Accidents involving garbage trucks can cause major injuries, expensive property damage, and difficult legal issues.
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) reports that in 2023, the death rate for collectors of refuse and recyclable materials climbed to 41.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent employees from 22.6 in 2022. According to SWANA, the job ranked fourth among the deadliest in the United States.
Collisions with municipal or private waste management vehicles, unlike most car accidents, can involve multiple people, creating a complicated liability structure. Seeking the help of a garbage truck accident lawyer can increase your chances of recovering your losses and prepare you for any unexpected challenges that may arise with your claim.
Knowing your rights and the necessary procedures for filing a claim is critical for obtaining fair compensation, whether the truck is operated by a private company or a city agency.
This article will guide you on what to expect following a garbage truck accident and how legal representation can significantly influence case outcomes.
Contents
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Garbage Truck Accidents
Accidents between cars and garbage trucks may result in more serious damage compared to other vehicle-on-vehicle collisions.
Garbage trucks, being larger and heavier, are more likely to cause harm or damage. A significant number of rules govern garbage trucks, which could make accident liability more difficult. If a public or private waste collection company recently changed contractors or drivers, determining which insurance policies apply in the event of an accident can become complicated.
Garbage trucks sometimes contain hazardous chemicals and sharp objects, which create safety concerns in the accident situation. Garbage trucks can stop abruptly and maneuver through narrow areas, potentially leading to numerous unplanned collisions.
Knowing all of these details will help you handle the potential challenges of filing a claim following a garbage truck accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
If you’re involved in a garbage truck accident, follow these steps to protect your rights and safety:
- Check for injuries among yourselves and the people around you. Immediately contact 911 if anyone is injured.
- Move to a safe area, if possible, away from the traffic to prevent further accidents from happening.
- Exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle, including names, contact details, and insurance details. Write down the truck company name and license plate number.
- If possible, take photos to document the scene, including both vehicles, the road conditions, and visibility damages.
Immediately inform your insurance company regarding the accident as soon as possible to promptly initiate the claims process.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
After confirming the safety of the people involved and exchanging information with the other party, gather evidence and create detailed documentation to back up your claims.
Photographs of the accident scene should show vehicle positions, damages, road signs, and traffic signals. Attempt to obtain witness statements by requesting their addresses and phone numbers. Their testimonies are important and help provide additional context about the accident.
If police arrive, get the accident report for relevant details. Police reports provide objective information about the accident. Document the type and severity of injuries and medical treatment, including bills and records.
Document your account of the events while they remain fresh in your memory, as the clarity and reliability of recollections tend to diminish over time. Establishing a strong case requires assembling all the pieces of evidence you have collected and creating a compelling narrative that highlights your injuries and clearly shows the liability of the other party.
Dealing with the Claims Process
After a garbage truck accident, engaging with insurance companies will require you to provide supporting evidence, including medical records, police reports, and other relevant documentation.
Submit your claim to the insurance company and be prepared to speak with the insurance adjuster often. Respond to additional questions and provide any details that the insurance company needs.
Carefully check due dates for submission materials and see to it that all required documentation is provided on time. You can file an appeal if your claim is denied or you have been wrongly paid.
Seeking Legal Assistance and Your Rights
Legal assistance helps you secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced lawyer can assess your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurer. They’ll notify you of case deadlines, helping prevent unnecessary delays and mistakes that could cost you compensation.
Legal representation guarantees that you can legally compete with larger companies, such as waste management companies, that have more resources.
If you are hesitant to seek legal advice, keep in mind that an attorney’s experience will benefit your case, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while they handle all legal aspects.
