People probably see trash trucks more than they realize. These large vehicles travel throughout Dallas daily. Most motorists see them as an inconvenience, slowing down traffic, while many pedestrians fail to notice them at all. However, when a garbage truck is involved in an accident, the injuries are often severe or deadly.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a trash truck, contact our Dallas garbage/trash truck accident lawyer to review your case. Personal injury lawsuits arising from garbage truck accidents are often complicated and you should have a law firm experienced in handling truck accident litigation. The attorneys and staff at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. are committed to assisting individuals who suffered harm in truck accidents. Call (817) 476-1797 to schedule a free appointment.
Who is Responsible for My Garbage Truck Accident in Texas?
If your car collides with a trash truck, your vehicle will usually suffer more significant damage due to the discrepancy in the size and the weight of the vehicles. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a garbage truck to crush a smaller car.
One of the most common accidents that happen between passenger cars and trash trucks are rear-end collisions. This is because a trash truck will make frequent and unexpected stops, often with malfunctioning brake lights.
In addition to collisions with cars, garbage trucks in Dallas present a danger to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When a garbage truck collides with a motorcycle or bicycle, the rider is often severely injured. Furthermore, when a massive trash truck strikes an unsuspecting pedestrian, the resulting injures could be devastating or fatal. Because of the types of accidents and injuries that occur, it is crucial to have our experienced Dallas truck accident attorney representing your rights.
Common Causes of Trash Truck Accidents in Texas
While trash truck accidents occur for many of the same reasons other vehicles crash, the nature of the work and the construction of the truck create additional hazards for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Poor Visibility and Blind Spots
Trash trucks provide drivers poor visibility and large blind spots. If a garbage truck is not cleaned regularly, a dirty windshield could restrict a driver’s view. Because of this poor visibility, a careless operator might not see a car or bike passing them. Additionally, the blind spots make it easy to strike a pedestrian when turning or driving near a sidewalk.
Distracted Truck Drivers
Distracting driving is always dangerous. Safely operating a trash truck requires concentration. In addition to reacting to changing traffic conditions, a garbage truck driver needs to be aware of fellow workers walking alongside the truck, trash cans in the road, and collecting trash. When their attention is further diverted by texting, eating, drinking, or talking with another worker, they increase the potential of an accident.
Tired Drivers
Collecting garbage is hard and dirty work. Often, a driver’s day begins early and ends with overtime. The long hours and possible lack of sleep could result in fatigue. Anytime a driver is operating a large garbage truck while tired, they put themselves and others at unreasonable risk.
Injuries Suffered in Garbage Truck Accidents in Texas
Injuries from a car accident are often serious. However, when an accident involves a 60,000-pound garbage truck, the injuries could be catastrophic or fatal. Many victims of trash truck accidents are left with injures that take years to recover from or are left with permanent disabilities. These injuries take more than a physical toll. Many people find themselves unable to work again or even enjoy life.
Back and Neck Injuries
The impact of a massive truck could place substantial force on your body, twisting your back or snapping your neck. This type of pressure could result in everything from lingering back pain to permanent nerve damage. In many situations, back injuries will prevent an injured victim from working or engaging in daily activities.
Broken Bones
The same powerful forces that could twist your back could also fracture your bones. It is not uncommon for a person struck by a garbage truck, or someone in a car that was in an accident with a truck, to suffer several broken bones.
Head and Brain Injuries
Car passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians could all suffer devastating head and brain injuries if they were involved in an accident with a trash truck. These types of injuries could adversely impact a person for the rest of their life. In many situations, the full effect of a brain injury is not readily apparent. Depending on the severity of the damage, a person could lose a significant amount of their cognitive or motor abilities, requiring years of medical assistance.
Spinal Cord and Nerve Damage
Injuries to a person’s spinal column could be devastating. When a person suffers severe nerve damage, they could be facing temporary or permanent paralysis. A spinal cord injury could require a lifetime of medical care and treatment.
Wrongful Death
Garbage trucks present a deadly danger, especially to pedestrians. When a person is struck by a large trash truck, the injuries are often fatal. Because of the size and massive weight of a garbage truck, it could inflict severe damage even when traveling at a slow speed.
Call Our Texas Garbage/Trash Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Garbage truck accident victims often suffer devastating and life-altering injuries. If a reckless or negligent truck driver caused an accident, the victim should be compensated for their financial losses and physical suffering. Our Dallas garbage/trash truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding truck drivers, trucking companies, and municipalities accountable if their conduct resulted in harm. Call our Texas personal injury lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.