What to Do After an Accident With a Garbage Truck

Due to their large size, garbage trucks can be extremely dangerous when driven or operated recklessly.

The average garbage truck weighs approximately 64,000 pounds, with smaller ones weighing about 20 tons. Because of their large size, these trucks can be incredibly dangerous when driven or operated recklessly. 

If you happen to be involved in an accident involving a garbage truck in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if you were injured during the accident.

What Causes Garbage Truck Accidents?

Here are the most common causes of garbage truck accidents in Missouri:

• Distracted driving
• Inept and inexperienced operation and driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Defective equipment and poor maintenance
• Driving while fatigued

If you had an accident with a garbage truck that leads to property damage, injuries, or loss of a loved one, you should seek medical attention and speak with an experienced attorney.

Who Will You File The Claim Against?

You can generally file a claim against the driver or their employer. It’s often advisable to file your claim against the employer because they have the financial muscle you need to take care of your damages. The employer may be a private waste management company or the local/state government. 

A Third Party May Be Responsible For The Accident

In some situations, a third party may be liable for the accident. For instance, when a driver tries to overtake the garbage truck but drives too close to the truck’s front. Keep in mind; garbage truck drivers can’t see at least 20 feet in front of them. So if a driver drives too close to the truck’s front, they are practically invisible. As a result, the garbage truck might crash into them, leading to an accident chain. Another instance is when a driver ignores the truck’s turn signal and drives right into the garbage truck’s side. Again, this may lead to an accident chain where you happen to be one of the victims.

Other ways third parties could lead to garbage truck accidents include:

• Truck maintenance workers doing substandard work
• Defective parts from part manufacturers
• Truck manufacturers selling unroadworthy trucks

You can still receive compensation if a third party caused the accident. However, the process will be slightly more complicated. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.

St. Louis Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

You’ll need a reputable attorney to help you file and follow through with your claim. Insurance companies may be reluctant to give you fair compensation, and that’s where experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys come in.

If you have been involved in a garbage truck accident in St. Louis, give us a call 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation.

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