Houston Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) keeps statistics on fatal garbage truck collisions. SWANA tracks deaths among sanitation workers as well as data on fatal accidents involving a waste collection vehicle and a member of the community. According to their data, 76 people lost their lives in crashes involving garbage trucks in 2020. This number represents a slight decrease from 2019, which saw 80 deaths, and 2018 which saw 101 deaths.

While the number of deaths has decreased over the last few years, garbage truck accidents are still a real issue on our streets, and action must be taken to prevent these accidents from happening. While there are many reasons for truck accidents, some factors that contribute to the number of garbage truck accidents include:

• Garbage trucks begin operating during hours of reduced visibility;
• Garbage trucks make frequent stops;
• Garbage trucks operate in locations of reduced visibility, such as side streets and private driveways;
• Garbage trucks may not be properly repaired or maintained;
• Trash and debris can fall from garbage trucks; and
• Poor driver training and driver error

Preventing Garbage Truck Accidents

Drivers of commercial vehicles, including garbage trucks, have a duty to avoid conduct that can result in accidents or injury. Since garbage trucks are commercial vehicles, garbage truck operators must undergo special training and adhere to special rules designed to protect themselves and the motoring public. To prevent garbage trucks from happening, it is important that garbage truck operators adhere to all rules of the road and pay special attention to the rules and regulations specific to commercial operators. Commercial operators are the first line of defense in accident prevention.

Commercial garbage companies also have a role to play in preventing garbage truck accidents. Commercial companies must implement a culture of safety that is adhered to by their drivers. This includes regular training and policies designed to identify and correct negligent behavior. Trucking companies that do not prioritize safety create a dangerous environment and allow drivers to act carelessly on the road.

Commercial garbage companies must also maintain and repair their trucks to ensure safe operations. A truck that breaks down during transit or does not have adequate lighting and/or other warning systems pose real risks to the motoring public. Crashes with parked or disabled garbage trucks are alarmingly common and routinely result in serious injury and death. Commercial garbage companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and repaired prior to use to prevent accidents from happening.

Commercial drivers and companies that fail to satisfy their duty of care to the motoring public increase the risk of accidents on our roadways and must be held accountable for their negligent conduct.

Injuries Our Houston Garbage Truck Crash Attorneys Handle

At The Ammons Law Firm, our lawyers who work on garbage truck accidents focus their time and energy on victims of serious injury and death. Our firm is known for providing injury victims with the highest quality of representation available in the industry. This is accomplished by providing every client’s case with the time and attention it deserves. Properly handling a garbage truck accident case that has resulted in serious injury or death requires active management and focused time and attention.

What constitutes serious injury depends on the facts of the case. However, we strive to help those that have injuries that will have a lifelong impact or require extensive medical treatment. For instance, our attorneys routinely handle the following injuries:

• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones and limb amputations
• Debilitating back and neck injuries
• Injuries requiring surgery or other ongoing medical treatment

If we are not able to help you with your case, we have established relationships with highly skilled and professional firms across the state that can help you achieve the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.

Work With Our Trained Garbage Truck Attorneys

When facing a serious injury or the loss of a loved one, you need to have confidence that you are represented by qualified attorneys. Choosing a personal injury lawyer is difficult, and the lawyer you choose will have a significant impact on the success of your case and your ultimate recovery. At The Ammons Law Firm, we have worked hard to help clients like you recover full compensation under the law, and our track record of over 1 billion dollars in recoveries is a testament to our ability to help you. We have the training, experience, and resources to help you receive justice and are committed to your cause.