Euless Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer
We rely on garbage trucks and the Euless Department of Public Works (DPW) to remove and dispose of trash and other hazardous items across the city. Unfortunately, collisions involving garbage trucks may be more common than you expected. Due to their sheer size, it is not unusual for victims to suffer critical injuries that cost thousands of dollars in damages and lead to lasting consequences.
If you or someone you love has suffered devastating injuries in a collision, a reputable Euless garbage truck accident lawyer from The Texas Law Dog with decades of trial experience may be able to help guide you through your insurance and civil claims.
Multiple parties may share liability for your injuries, so having your Euless truck accident lawyer handle the investigation and negotiations with the insurance company may be in your best interest. Consider every opportunity for justice when you contact our law office to request a free consultation.
Garbage Truck Accidents: Causation and Fault
Your Euless garbage truck accident attorney will begin by determining how your accident occurred and who is at fault. Our Euless personal injury lawyers need to identify the liable party to move forward with your insurance and civil claims.
Fortunately, multiple parties could share culpability depending on what caused the collision:
Garbage Truck Drivers
Garbage truck drivers in the state of Texas are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) as described by the Texas Department of Public Safety. This means these drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists on the roadways. If the garbage truck driver was operating the commercial truck negligently, you may have grounds for a claim.
The garbage truck driver could have been speeding, following too closely, failing to yield or stop, driving distracted, or possibly even operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If the garbage truck driver failed to conduct necessary safety inspections or report malfunctions to their supervisor, they could also be held accountable, particularly if your collision was caused by malfunctioning or defective parts. Truck drivers are some of the most commonly named liable parties in these types of claims.
The Garbage Truck Company
You may also have grounds for a claim against the garbage truck company. Keep in mind that the truck company is responsible not only for the garbage truck itself but also for its garbage truck drivers.
Your Euless garbage truck accident lawyer will review employment records, truck maintenance logs, and other evidence to determine whether the trucking company could share liability for your injuries.
For instance, if the garbage truck company failed to do its due diligence before hiring the trucker, only to find out that the truck driver had a history of aggressive or drunk driving, the trucking company could be at fault. It could also be held accountable if it fails to make necessary safety repairs. The trucking company is responsible for ensuring the garbage truck is in safe working order at all times.
Other Negligent Parties
Not only could the garbage truck driver and trucking company share liability, but other third parties could also be partially at fault. For instance, maintenance repair workers, the owner of the garbage truck, and even the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) could share liability for your accident.
The TXDOT may be liable if dangerous road conditions caused your collision. The garbage truck driver may not have been able to prevent the collision if road safety hazards prevented them from doing so.
Filing a claim against a state or government agency can be particularly complicated, so do not hesitate to consult a reputable Euless car accident lawyer with The Texas Law Dog to ensure you have a powerful legal advocate on your side.
Steps to Take After a Garbage Truck Accident in Euless
The aftermath of your garbage truck accident may be confusing. The accident scene may be chaotic, and you may have no idea what to do next. First and foremost, call 911.
Once emergency responders arrive at the accident scene, they can file a police report, which you can use to support your case later. While you are waiting for the ambulance and police to arrive, try to collect evidence you can use to support your case.
You might want to take photos of the property damages and your injuries and request the contact information of witnesses to the garbage truck accident.
When the ambulance arrives, get medical attention. You may be suffering from injuries more severe than you were expecting. Finally, consult a garbage truck accident attorney in Euless so you can start building a claim against those responsible as soon as possible after the collision.
How to Prove Liability and Negligence in a Garbage Truck Accident Claim
To prove liability and negligence in a garbage truck accident claim, we need to meet the burden of proof as described under Tex. Civ. Pract. & Rem. Code § 41.001(2) and show that the elements of negligence have been met. The burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence, so it must be convincing and clear. The elements of negligence include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
The garbage truck driver or other liable parties must have had a responsibility for your safety or well-being. They must have breached that duty and ultimately caused the collision. Your injuries do not need to be life-threatening or catastrophic, but we must be able to show how impactful they have been or are expected to be in the future.
Contact a Respected Truck Accident Lawyer in Euless for Help Today
The devastation from your garbage truck accident does not need to infiltrate your future. Once you have access to the financial compensation you deserve, you can cover your outstanding debts, be prepared to cover the cost of any future treatment related to your injuries, and finally, be able to put your mind at ease. Fortunately, you do not need to bring the at-fault party to justice on your own.
When you have the support and trial experience of a top-rated garbage truck accident lawyer in Euless from The Texas Law Dog working for you, the claims process does not need to be overwhelming. Let us handle the legalities so you can start rebuilding your life. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today when you fill out our confidential contact form or call our office.