What to Do If You Get Into a Garbage Truck Accident

Being involved in a garbage truck accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Garbage trucks, which can weigh up to 50,000 pounds when fully loaded, present unique dangers on the road. Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a garbage truck accident is essential to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important step after any accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Move away from traffic if possible, and assess your condition and that of any passengers in your vehicle.

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, head trauma, or soft tissue injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care not only ensures your well-being but also creates essential documentation for any future legal claims.

Contact the Police

It’s important to report the accident to the authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. The police will create an official accident report, which can serve as critical evidence in any legal proceedings. Make sure you obtain a copy of the report or the contact information of the responding officers so you can follow up later.

Document the Accident Scene

While waiting for the police, if it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos of:

-The garbage truck and its license plate

-Your vehicle’s damage

-The surrounding area, including road conditions, traffic signs, or signals

-Any injuries you or others may have experienced

Make sure to gather contact information from any witnesses at the scene, as their statements can be valuable in determining liability later.

Do Not Admit Fault

In the aftermath of a traumatic accident, it’s common to feel shaken and emotional. However, it’s crucial to avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you. Even if you feel partially responsible, many factors contribute to truck accidents, and liability can be more complex than it initially appears.

Let the authorities and legal professionals conduct a thorough investigation before making any assumptions about fault.

Get Information from the Garbage Truck Driver

Collect essential information from the garbage truck driver, including:

• Their name and contact information
• The name of their employer
• Insurance information for the garbage truck
• License plate number and any company identifiers on the vehicle

This information will be crucial, if you decide to pursue a personal injury case.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Garbage truck accidents often involve complex liability issues. The truck driver, their employer, and potentially even the manufacturer of the truck’s components could all be held responsible, depending on the specifics of the accident. Moreover, garbage trucks are governed by specific safety regulations, and violations of these can lead to negligence claims.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

File a Claim and Gather Evidence

If you decide to pursue legal action, your attorney will help you file a personal injury claim against the responsible party or parties. They will also assist in gathering evidence, such as:

• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage, if available
• The official police report

Your lawyer will also look into whether the garbage truck driver was following safety protocols, including proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic laws.

Be Aware of Potential Compensation

If the truck driver or their employer is found liable for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This can cover:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

In cases where negligence is particularly egregious, you may also be able to recover punitive damages.

Consider Long-Term Effects

Accidents involving large vehicles like garbage trucks can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. It’s important to factor in potential future medical expenses and other ongoing costs when negotiating a settlement.

A knowledgeable attorney will ensure that these long-term needs are considered when seeking compensation, helping to secure your financial future.

Stay Calm and Let Your Attorney Handle the Process

After a serious accident, the legal process can be overwhelming. Insurance companies and trucking companies may try to offer quick settlements that do not fully cover your expenses. Your attorney will protect your rights and handle negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved.

Let your attorney guide you through the process, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back on your feet.

---

Reach Out to Oshan & Associates for Help

If you’ve been involved in a garbage truck accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Oshan & Associates are here to help. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (206) 335-3880 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with our legal team.

---

Also in Car Accidents