If you get involved in an accident with a garbage truck in Minnesota, it can be difficult to get justice for your injuries and property damage. These cases are more complex than other types of car accidents, as they may involve the negligence of a refuse company or government agency rather than the driver alone. The right garbage truck accident lawyer can be instrumental in helping you achieve the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Minnesota
Motor vehicle collisions involving waste collection or recycling trucks can be caused by many examples of driver error and negligence, meaning the failure to act in a reasonably prudent manner.
Common examples include:
- Careless or reckless truck driving
- Speeding in residential areas
- Failing to stop at red lights and stop signs
- Ignoring the rights-of-way of others
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence
- Truck driver fatigue
- Reversing the truck without looking
- Failing to properly load the truck, resulting in falling-object accidents
- Truck mechanical defects or breakdowns
The operator of a garbage truck can cause a serious car, bicycle or pedestrian accident if he or she is negligent behind the wheel. Poor driver training, inadequate garbage truck maintenance and defective parts also contribute to these collisions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident?
Unlike an ordinary car accident claim, garbage truck accidents in Minnesota involve additional liable parties beyond just a motor vehicle driver. Even if the garbage truck driver caused the crash, the company that employed the driver could face vicarious liability.
Possible defendants include:
- Republic Services (a major local waste company)
- Private trash haulers or refuse providers
- Waste management providers
- The municipal government for public works trucks
- A garbage truck part manufacturer
Understanding who can be held liable, or legally and financially responsible, for your garbage truck accident may take a thorough investigation by a personal injury lawyer. Some cases involve shared liability among multiple parties.
Typical Injuries From Garbage Truck Accidents
The size, weight and features of a garbage truck make these formidable vehicles to go up against in collisions with other road users. Victims, especially those outside of the truck, may suffer injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, crush injuries, lacerations, and amputations.
Damages Available to Victims of Minnesota Garbage Truck Accidents
Filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for a garbage truck accident in Minnesota could lead to a financial recovery for the injured victim, with damages such as:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Long-term or permanent disability
- Lost wages, income and capacity to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages
Working with a truck accident lawyer can give you an accurate calculation of the value of your injury claim. An attorney will pursue fair and full financial compensation for you by handling insurance settlement negotiations or taking your case to court, if necessary.
How a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
Hiring a Minnesota truck accident attorney can significantly benefit you throughout the claims process. A lawyer gives you greater negotiation and litigation power when going up against a waste management company or government entity. In the meantime, you can focus on recovering from your serious injuries and looking toward the future.
For a free garbage truck accident case review in Minnesota, contact us anytime.