Garbage Truck Accidents

Although we hate being stuck behind one of them on a street or highway, garbage trucks play a necessary role in our everyday life. However, waste disposal trucks can be dangerous, and when they are involved in a serious accident, they may lead to severe injuries. The Miami truck accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent victims of these collisions in pursuing the appropriate damages from a careless driver or the driver’s employer. We assist clients across South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

Garbage trucks can be hazardous to motorists on the road, and they may present an even greater danger in one’s own neighborhood. Even waste disposal trucks traveling at a slow speed can cause devastating harm to pedestrians, bicyclists, and others spending time outside close to home. The drivers of these massive vehicles may be unable to see or maneuver properly in certain areas, due to obstructed roadways or their own inadequate training regarding how to operate such a cumbersome vehicle. The unique size and shape of a garbage truck also leads to particular hazards and certain types of accidents, including:

• Accidents caused by improper or excessive loading,
• Blind spot collisions,
• Crashes caused by maintenance or inspection issues,
• Driver fatigue accidents, and
• Accidents caused by defective vehicle parts.

Collisions involving a garbage truck may cause significant injuries, especially if a pedestrian or child is involved. Making sure that the responsible parties are held liable is important not only in maximizing a victim’s compensation but also in preventing similar events in the future.

When a victim is hurt as a result of a garbage truck driver’s negligence, he or she can pursue action through a personal injury claim. Negligence is established when a victim, or plaintiff, shows a driver has breached his or her duty to act as a reasonable or prudent person would act under similar circumstances. For instance, a driver who fails to check blind spots on a truck before backing up, and who strikes a pedestrian or another vehicle as a result, may be found to have acted unreasonably. Furthermore, a plaintiff must show that the driver’s actions were a proximate cause of the injuries suffered and that damages resulted.

Waste disposal companies that employ a negligent driver may also be held vicariously liable for a victim’s injuries if that driver was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash. For instance, a driver picking up garbage or otherwise engaged in an activity on behalf of his or her company is acting within the scope of employment. Once liability is established, a plaintiff may be able to recover compensation for property damage, past and future medical costs, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a garbage truck, the Miami truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you investigate your legal options. We are dedicated to making sure that negligent drivers, companies, and any other careless parties are held responsible for their dangerous actions. Our firm also represents victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a motor vehicle collision attorney.