Grand Prairie Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

Trash trucks spend most of the time in residential neighborhoods. That is why they are such a threat to regular passenger cars, pedestrians, and cyclists who are in crosswalks, sidewalks, and driveways. Their huge size and significant lack of maneuverability pose serious safety concerns. With negligence or carelessness on the driver’s part, the probabilities for injuries and possibilities of death increase dramatically.

If you or a loved one were injured in a collision involving a garbage truck, you should schedule a consultation with a local attorney as soon as possible. A dedicated Grand Prairie garbage truck accident attorney could calculate your losses and help you seek compensation from the negligent party. Discuss your options with a qualified truck accident attorney in your community as soon as possible.

How Do Most Garbage Truck Accidents Occur?

Many actions can contribute to a garbage truck occurring in Grand Prairie. The most common include driver negligence, blind spots, and severe weather conditions. If a driver or a trucking company fails to protect others from harm, they could be held liable for all damages.

Driver Error

Driver negligence contributes to a number of these garbage truck accidents because on the roadways, truckers may be fatigued, impaired, or inattentive, speeding, or distracted. On local streets, the driver may neglect to signal to back up without adequate warning, speed, drive on the wrong side of the road or pull up from a driveway or fail to brake for traffic.

Blind Spots

Aside from not always having rear cameras, the big waste trucks also have significant blind spots, which obstruct views from the front and sides of the vehicles. The drivers of trucks have poor visibility, and the drivers may not see people near or behind them. Unlike other commercial vehicles, many garbage trucks are equipped with front or side loading arms that add an extra few feet around the vehicle and further obstruct the driver’s view directly in front of the truck. So, a lot of times, it can’t see directly in front of the cab, to the right of the cab, and behind the driver’s window.

Heavy Loads

Trash trucks are also challenged with keeping a better balance because these vehicles are top-heavy, making them prone to rollovers. So, depending on the type of cargo, what the truck’s hauling, the trash truck has the potential of being flammable and/or hazardous, which makes for a disastrous combination.

Poor Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions can be dangerous for all vehicles, but especially with their size, garbage trucks have even a more difficult time slowing down and braking because of their heavy weight doesn’t allow them to maneuver quickly in an emergency.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Poor vehicle maintenance is one of the most common causes of a collision. Routine maintenance is important for the safe operation of any vehicle, including garbage trucks. And while they’re maintained by private companies in our area, some aspects of that are left up to the driver to look after. So, it’s always somewhat a responsibility that the truck be kept in a good, safe, and operable condition.

Falling Debris And Equipment

Trucks hauling trash to landfills can scatter debris at high speeds if the truck is overfilled or the load’s not properly secured. These falling debris can cause serious accidents when encountered at high speeds.

Who Could Be Held Responsible For Damages?

Both the driver of the truck as well as the owner of the truck could be held liable for all of the injured claimant’s damages. Most garbage trucks in Grand Prairie are owned by private entities so they trucking company could be at fault for damages.

What Is Sovereign Immunity?

Sovereign immunity comes into play when there are governmental entities involved. It varies widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. That is why it is so important to speak with an experienced attorney that has dealt with this type of issue before.

Consult With a Grand Prairie Garbage Truck Accident Attorney

Collisions with garbage trucks can be catastrophic and cause severe damages for all involved. Following a crash with a garbage truck, you should get in touch with an experienced attorney. Reach out to a Grand Prairie truck accident lawyer today to get started on your case.