Florida Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers

Lawsuits for Dump Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a garbage truck, you know firsthand the devastating impact it can have on your life. Garbage trucks are massive machines, and when they collide with a smaller vehicle or pedestrian, the results can be catastrophic. Injuries suffered in these types of accidents can be severe, ranging from broken bones and head injuries to spinal cord damage and even death.

At The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we understand the challenges that victims and their families face after a garbage truck accident, and we're here to help. Our experienced Florida garbage truck accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether negotiating for a settlement or litigating in court, you’ll see the strength of our legal team in everything we do!

Call (855) 933-3881 now to speak with a member of our firm.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These large, heavy vehicles are responsible for collecting and transporting waste from residential and commercial areas, and their sheer size and weight make them particularly dangerous in the event of an accident. Understanding the common causes of garbage truck accidents could be an essential first step in building your injury claim after one hit you.

Four common causes of garbage truck accidents include:

• Driver error: Garbage truck drivers must navigate tight streets and alleys while constantly stopping and starting their vehicles. This can lead to errors such as failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or improperly backing up. Additionally, driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment can contribute to accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Garbage trucks are complex machines with many moving parts that require regular maintenance. If a garbage truck's brakes, steering, or other components fail, it can result in a catastrophic accident. Poor maintenance practices or manufacturing defects can contribute to these mechanical failures.
• Limited visibility: Due to their size and design, garbage trucks have significant blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. This limited visibility can lead to collisions, especially when the truck is backing up or making sharp turns, or when the truck driver is driving impatiently.
• Improperly secured loads: Garbage trucks carry heavy loads that can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or even tip over. Additionally, debris can fall from the truck if the load is not properly secured, posing a danger to other motorists and pedestrians. Proper loading and securing of waste materials are crucial to prevent accidents related to unsecured loads.

Common Injuries Caused by Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of these vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for those involved. When a garbage truck collides with another vehicle or pedestrian, the force of the impact can cause devastating harm. Our Florida garbage truck lawyers can work with medical experts to get a full picture of your injuries and how they will likely affect you for years to come.

Common injuries suffered by drivers and pedestrians who are involved in garbage truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in long-lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a garbage truck accident can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, as well as long-term care and support.
• Broken bones and fractures: When a smaller vehicle collides with a massive garbage truck, the occupants are at risk of suffering broken bones and fractures. These injuries can be incredibly painful and may require surgery, prolonged immobilization, and extensive physical therapy to heal properly.
• Internal injuries: The force of a garbage truck accident can cause damage to internal organs. These injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated, and they may result in long-term health complications.

Can You Sue a City Waste Management Company?

You can sue a city waste management company if you have been injured in an accident involving one of their garbage trucks or if they have been negligent in some manner that led to your injury. However, suing a city or a government entity can be more complex than suing a private company due to specific rules and procedures that must be followed, such as providing notice of the claim within a certain time frame. Please consult with our Florida garbage truck accident attorneys soon, so you don’t miss any important deadlines or make any avoidable mistakes with the claim.

Compensation for Garbage Truck Accident Claimants

In Florida, if you have been injured in a garbage truck accident, you may be to demand compensation for the damages you have suffered. This compensation is intended to help alleviate the financial burdens and emotional distress caused by the accident. The types of damages awarded in a garbage truck accident claim can be divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages: These damages are meant to compensate for the quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of the accident.
  • Medical expenses: This covers the cost of past and future medical treatments, such as surgery, hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for the income you have lost during your recovery period, as well as any future earnings you may lose due to disability.
  • Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident. Typically, property damage is handled in a separate claim from any damages related to bodily injury and other harm.
• Non-economic damages: These damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms.
  • Pain and suffering: This encompasses the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have significantly impacted your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities you once loved, you may be able to include this type of non-economic damage in your claim.
  • Emotional distress: The psychological impact of a garbage truck accident can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional issues.

Talk to Our Lawyers Today – We Can Fight for You!

Our experienced Florida garbage truck accident attorneys are committed to providing tenacious legal representation and diligently pursuing the compensation you deserve. We can fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you navigate the complexities of the legal process during this difficult time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Let us be your trusted advocates on the road to recovery and justice.

Florida Garbage Truck Accident FAQ

• How much time do I have to file a garbage truck accident claim in Florida?
  In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a garbage truck accident claim, is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, it's important to note that there may be exceptions or specific circumstances that could alter this time frame. For instance, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, such as a city waste management company, you might have to follow different procedures and shorter deadlines.
• Who is liable if a garbage truck stops suddenly and I rear-end it?
  Generally, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is often considered at fault for not maintaining a safe distance or not being able to stop in time. However, there may be circumstances where the garbage truck driver or waste management company shares some responsibility for the accident. For example, if the garbage truck stopped suddenly without a valid reason or proper signaling, the driver might be considered partially at fault.
• Can garbage trucks drive on the highway?
  Yes, garbage trucks can drive on the highway, but they generally operate at slower speeds compared to other vehicles due to their size and weight. Garbage trucks are designed to collect and transport waste from residential and commercial areas, so they typically spend most of their time navigating local streets and alleys.