Garbage Truck Accidents in Colleyville
We do not mean to trash garbage truck drivers, who perform a vital service by getting our garbage from the curb to the dump. But garbage truck drivers are human and make mistakes. And when a mistake is made behind the wheel of a garbage truck, the consequences can be devastating—serious property damage, significant injuries, and even death.
When a garbage truck accident happens, determining who is at fault can be a complex process. Still, it is essential to obtain damages or payment for the harm you have suffered. Anyone who has been the victim of a garbage truck accident in Colleyville should contact one of our experienced truck crash attorneys for a free consultation.
Texas Law Relating to Garbage Trucks
The Texas Department of Public Safety is responsible for enforcing regulations for garbage trucks and other commercial trucks in the state. The department has a set of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, or CVE, laws. Violating any of these laws would imply liability in a related personal injury lawsuit over an accident. Having a seasoned lawyer who knows these laws in and out and can review operator and maintenance laws and applicable regulations and statutes to obtain evidence can be crucial to building a case for damages.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. This is not a lot of time for an injured person to do everything necessary to have a successful case. A Colleyville garbage truck wreck attorney can assist with the investigation to build a case, argue it in court, or use the evidence to push for an appropriate settlement with the insurance companies involved.
Who Is Liable for a Garbage Truck Collision?
Garbage trucks are sometimes owned and operated by the local government or agency responsible for clearing the roads and hauling waste. Other times, they are owned by a private company contracting for the government. Independent contractors also own and operate garbage trucks. Depending on the facts of an accident, one or all of these parties could be liable.
The garbage truck driver could be held liable, too, independent of their employer, if they were personally negligent in the operation of the truck—such as by operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol or using a phone while operating. A dedicated Colleyville garbage truck crash lawyer could help identify defendants through an investigation. The more defendants, the more chances to recover, making this an important part of building a case.
Investigating a Garbage Truck Crash
Investigating a garbage truck collision in Colleyville can involve tasks such as:
- Reviewing photo and video evidence
- Scrutinizing the police report and witness statements
- Conducting new interviews
- Consulting with experts
- Recreating the accident
- Pulling maintenance and employment logs
- Referencing medical reports and local laws
With a strong case, a lawyer could argue the case in court to pursue a comprehensive damages award or take the evidence to the insurers and negotiate for a suitable payout on the injured person’s behalf. A skilled attorney could handle insurance company representatives’ hardball tactics and lowball settlement offers. Getting a good payout often necessitates the data that a legal professional could provide as a part of their services.
Contact a Colleyville Garbage Truck Accident Attorney for Assistance
Call one of our capable lawyers today to discuss how to move forward after a garbage truck accident in Colleyville. You should be able to focus on healing and returning to your life and work. A committed legal professional could handle the work necessary to obtain a fair damages award or settlement on your behalf.
Call today. Remember, the initial consultation is free and allows you to discuss the details of your case with one of our attorneys, who can help you get on the road to recovery.