The Potential Dangers of a Garbage Truck Accident

Every automobile accident is serious with potentially severe consequences. However, when an accident involves a trash or dump truck, the possibility for severe injury and damage is even more prevalent. A look through the local newspapers demonstrates how often these vehicles are involved in accidents on the Florida roadways.

• The Augustine Record is reporting about a dump truck accident that recently resulted in more than 80 gallons of fuel on the International Golf Parkway. The incident reportedly occurred when the truck driver entered a sharp curve and overturned. The driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

• In June, a Tallahassee man received a $700,000 settlement award against the city for injuries sustained from a garbage truck accident. He was reportedly waiting at a stop light on a bicycle when the trash truck driver made a right turn and ran him over. He suffered from more than 20 broken bones and had to learn how to walk again.

• An April accident resulted in injuries to two people after a pick-up truck and garbage truck collided on a Palm Beach County roadway. When emergency units arrived on scene, they reportedly found the pick-up truck flipped with two individuals trapped inside.

Responsibilities of Garbage Truck Drivers

Just like any other vehicle operator, garbage truck drivers have a duty to other motorists and pedestrians to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. However, their duty is even higher due to the fact that they are operating vehicles that are inherently more dangerous than the average car on the street. For example, garbage trucks carry trash or debris that significantly adds to their overall weight. This can result in greater damages and injuries from an impact with another vehicle or person. Additionally, these trucks are likely to work on city streets, making pedestrians, local drivers and children more susceptible to accidents.

Garbage trucks are subject to state regulations. As such, operators of these vehicles are required to hold a commercial driver’s license if the truck:

• Weighs 10,000 pounds or more without cargo; or
• Is used for the transporting of hazardous materials.

When garbage truck drivers breach their duty of care, injuries and property damage can result. Victims are left to deal with the physical, mental and financial damage. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, the responsible party or parties can be held responsible for their actions in a court of law. To pursue a case in court, it’s important to gather information about the driver and the truck as soon as possible following the accident, including:

• The registered owner;
• The accurate and complete name of the driver;
• Insurance company name and policy number;
• Type of license held by the driver; and
• An official report from the responding law enforcement agency

Provide this information to an experienced attorney who can help secure the compensation you deserve. Contact The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group at 813-242-4404 for a free case consultation. Serving the residents of Tampa, our attorneys can provide you with comprehensive and knowledgeable representation.