While garbage truck drivers usually work in the early hours of the day when there are fewer people on the road, this does not mean that they are immune to an accident. They still have to share the residential roads with other drivers and pedestrians, and the aftermath of a collision with this larger vehicle can be detrimental. Read on if you are sustaining serious injuries and damages from a recent garbage truck accident and learn how a seasoned Chesterfield County auto accident lawyer at The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. can assist you in filing a lawsuit.
What are the common causes of garbage truck accidents in South Carolina?
Due to the size, contents, and machinery involved, commercial garbage trucks can be much more dangerous than a typical car accident. This is regardless of these trucks not being capable of super high speeds. The most common causes of garbage truck accidents that are seen in South Carolina read as follows:
- Garbage truck driver negligence:
- Failing to check multiple blind spots.
- Driving while distracted, such as texting while driving.
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Dumping waste that hits another vehicle or pedestrian.
- Dumping a hazardous waste spill.
- Driving in the wrong lane.
- Failure to follow traffic rules or signals, such as failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Failure to break on time and causing a rear-end collision.
- Garbage truck company negligence:
- Practicing inadequate vehicle maintenance.
- Sending drivers on the road with inadequate training.
- Garbage truck manufacturer negligence:
- Defective parts in the vehicle that cause malfunctions.
- Defective parts in the vehicle causes falling objects to hit another vehicle or pedestrian.
Who is the responsible party for my garbage truck accident?
As insinuated above, the responsible party for your injuries and damages depends on the circumstances of your accident. The following are just some of the potentially liable parties:
- The garbage truck driver or operator.
- The garbage truck owner, which can be a private trucking company or a government entity.
- The waste removal company or employer.
- The vehicle maintenance company.
- The manufacturer of the defective parts.
- Other drivers involved in your accident.
To pinpoint the liable party for your accident, talk with a competent Chesterfield County personal injury lawyer today.
What types of damages can I recover for my garbage truck accident?
Again, depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to recover any of the following damages:
- Economic damages:
- Current and future medical bills.
- Current and future lost wages.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Property damages.
- Non-economic damages:
- Disfigurement.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma.
- Diminished quality of life.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED SOUTH CAROLINA FIRM
For competent and trustworthy legal counsel involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law, contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.
