If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or death from a garbage truck accident in Michigan, you should contact an experienced lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. He or she will be able to help you get the compensation and economic damages you are legally entitled to.
There are many aspects to garbage collection vehicles that make them particularly dangerous, not the least of which is the possibility of negligence on the part of the driver. These vehicles are enormous, they stop frequently, and they have very limited visibility. Add to that drivers who are under time-pressure, who are perpetually distracted by traffic, and who have to watch for their garbage collectors who are constantly hopping on and off the trucks.
Together, these elements make for a potentially dangerous and fatal encounter with other motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians.
Given what’s at stake in your Michigan garbage truck accident case for you and your family, make sure you entrust your case and your future to a lawyer who has the skill and specialized knowledge to get you the best possible outcome.
Why are garbage trucks so dangerous?
Garbage trucks have several unique characteristics and operational aspects that make them more dangerous than other commercial trucks:
- Frequent Stops: They make more stops than any other type of truck, which increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Urban/Suburban Areas: They generally operate in narrow streets and congested urban areas where they need to maneuver in close quarters, which increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles, parked cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Heavy Stop-and-Go Traffic: They often operate in areas with heavy traffic, which can be physically demanding on drivers and increase the risk of a serious crash.
- Limited Visibility: They have limited visibility, which makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and pedestrians, especially when they are in close proximity to the truck.
- Noise and Distractions: They are inherently noisy, which affects the driver’s ability to hear warnings or communicate with other drivers and pedestrians.
- Unexpected Movement: They move in and out of traffic as they collect waste, which can catch other drivers and pedestrians off guard, increasing the likelihood of a serious crash.
- Unsecured Workers: They have workers who ride on the exterior of the vehicle to collect waste, which puts them at risk of falls or crashes while the vehicle is in motion.
- Heavy Loads: They fill up quickly and become heavily loaded with compacted waste, which affects safety, especially in emergency situations.
- Compacting Mechanism: Their compacting mechanism poses a risk to workers and others, especially when it is not properly operated or maintained.
- Tipping Mechanism: Some garbage collection vehicles use a tipping mechanism to empty waste containers into the truck, which can result in injuries or damage to property.
What is the most common cause of crashes with these vehicles?
Our Michigan lawyers know garbage truck accidents are typically caused by driver negligence which frequently takes one or more of the following forms:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, etc)
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue due to lack sleep or lengthy shifts
- Lack of training
- Poor or improper vehicle maintenance
Who can a lawyer hold liable if I’m injured a garbage truck accident in Michigan?
Our Michigan lawyers know that liability for an accident almost always lies with the garbage truck driver and the waste management company. But there are other potentially liable parties, including the owner of the truck (in the event that the vehicle is not owned by the waste management company), the maintenance company that inspects, services and repair the truck, and the manufacturer of the truck and its equipment when a defective part may have caused or contributed to the crash.
What type of compensation can a lawyer win on my behalf for a garbage truck accident in Michigan?
If you have been seriously injured in a garbage truck accident in Michigan, a lawyer maybe able to get you compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damages
Can a lawyer sue for wrongful death damages after a garbage truck accident in Michigan?
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal garbage truck accident in Michigan, a lawyer may be able to recover compensation and damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering as well as your loss of his or her financial support can be accounted for in a settlement involving yourself and other family members.