Garbage trucks keep our city beautiful by removing the trash and keeping the stench away. Although most garbage truck drivers obey the rules of the road and practice safety at all times, not all comply. When a negligent garbage truck driver hits another vehicle, serious damages and injuries often result.
A garbage truck driver is also at risk of getting hurt on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, garbage truck jobs are ranked 7th for being the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
If you were hit by a negligent garbage truck driver, contact us right away. Metro Atlanta Law Group is standing by now to take your call and schedule a free consultation appointment to discuss your injuries and damages.
Quick Facts About Garbage Truck Crashes
The facts are staggering regarding garbage truck crashes. We have compiled the following facts to share with injured victims who are looking for answers.
In 2017, there were 107 fatalities from garbage truck crashes.
Around 1/4 of all fatalities are garbage truck workers.
Thousands of people are injured each year in garbage truck accidents. In 2017, there were 2,430 garbage truck accidents.
Private garbage services are involved in more crashes than public garbage services.
The resulting injuries and damages from garbage truck crashes cost victims thousands of dollars.
Common Types of Garbage Truck Accident Injuries
Because of their massive size, frequent stops, and crushing equipment, garbage trucks are often dangerous. Despite strict laws for large trucks on roads in Atlanta, serious accidents continue to occur, leaving behind major injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries people suffer in garbage truck accidents.
Broken Bones
Lacerations
Head Injuries
Internal Organ Injuries
Contusions
Types of Garbage Truck Accidents
Although great strides have been made in the Atlanta area regarding safety on our roads, there is always the risk of an accident. When a large garbage truck comes into contact with a much smaller vehicle, the results can be deadly. The following are the most common types of garbage truck accidents.
Struck-By Accidents
Often, garbage trucks are out on the roads in the early morning hours, when Atlanta residents are just waking up and the city is slowly starting to move. If pedestrians or bicyclists are on the roads during these times, they could be struck by a negligent garbage truck driver who is not obeying the rules of the road.
Crushed-By Accidents
When a pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a large garbage truck and pinned between the truck and a wall or another vehicle, serious injuries result. Sometimes, the victim dies.
Vehicle to Vehicle Accidents
When a garbage truck slams into another vehicle, the victims in the smaller vehicle take on the brunt of the force. Often, the size of the garbage truck causes the smaller vehicle to become crushed.
No matter what type of garbage truck crash you have been injured in, we are here to help. We will fight for your rights and work to ensure you receive a fair outcome that takes care of your measurable damages.
Garbage truck accidents are serious and often require immediate medical care. Do not wait to go to the emergency room or doctor. Let the doctor know you have been in a garbage truck accident so they can take the appropriate steps to give you the care you need.
Garbage Truck Safety Rules in Atlanta
Garbage truck drivers are trained to drive and operate all equipment safely. If they do not follow these rules, they can be found negligent for any injuries and damages they cause. The Division of Occupational Safety & Health recommends the following.
All garbage trucks should have safety lights and reflectors. Garbage truck workers should wear reflective clothing to be more visible.
Garbage truck workers should stand on the side of the truck when compacting the trash.
There should be a pedestrian-free zone when a garbage truck is operating.
Garbage truck drivers should approach intersections with caution and follow all rules of the road.
Garbage pickup services must maintain their trucks and keep them safe to operate.
Garbage truck operators must look out for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists while conducting their work.
We Will Help You Get Fair Compensation
No garbage truck accident victim should have to face the insurance company alone. We will fight for your rights and become your legal advocate. You can receive compensation for the following.
Financial compensation for measurable and non-measurable damages, including pain and suffering
Financial compensation for all medical bills, therapy, and prescriptions
Financial compensation for loss of income now and in the future
Financial compensation for property damage or loss
We will work to get you the highest amount of financial compensation allowed under the law. If we do not win your case, you do not owe any attorney’s fees!
Time is ticking on the statute of limitations clock. In the state of Atlanta, you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Waiting too long will result in you forfeiting your rights to compensation, so do not delay!
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Do not wait a moment longer! Our garbage truck crash specialists are standing by right now to take your call. We will be happy to schedule your free consultation appointment and are available to take your call 24/7.
Allow us to help you hold the negligent parties accountable. You may be able to pursue the garbage truck driver, their employer, or even the manufacturer of truck parts.
Contact us right away so the statute of limitations does not pass. We will be there for you every step of the way and will fight for your rights and best interests.
