Garbage trucks are an essential part of life in Texas, as they are everywhere else, especially in large cities. However, as these huge vehicles wind their way through city and suburban streets and alleyways, they pose a significant hazard to the other vehicles on the road, as well as to pedestrians and bicyclists, including children and the elderly. Oftentimes, the sheer size of these vehicles can lead to accidents with garbage trucks.
Why Accidents With Garbage Trucks Happen
In addition to their size, the way these trucks are built means they are often difficult to maneuver. They also have significant blind spots in the rear and the sides of the truck. So it can be difficult for a driver to see anything or anyone who may be in the way. One wrong move on the part of the truck driver, another worker on the truck or anyone nearby, whether they are in another vehicle or just living life in the general vicinity, and tragedy is possible.
Garbage trucks stop and go frequently and the way they move can be described as unpredictable, even under the best of circumstances and it is this lack of predictability that is part of what makes them dangerous. They often rely on co-workers on the truck for signals as to when the coast is clear, due to their poor visibility, which can lead to jerky movements that can cause those co-workers to be thrown off the truck, sometimes into traffic or, quite possibly, lead to hitting a child crossing into traffic. A number of studies have shown that garbage trucks are actually more dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists than any other type of vehicle on the road.
Garbage truck accidents have been the cause of many serious injuries or even wrongful deaths when they crash into other vehicles or buildings, or when they run over other people. In some cases, debris flies off of garbage trucks and creates a hazard that can lead to a motor vehicle crash and/or an injury. Because of the sheer size of most garbage trucks, a collision with a much smaller car is usually disastrous and the results of running over pedestrians or bicyclists can result in serious injuries or death to anyone involved, including broken bones, organ damage, amputation of limbs, traumatic brain injuries, or even paralysis.
Every commercial vehicle operator is required to follow a certain set of rules and regulations and garbage truck drivers are no exception. They are required to operate under a higher duty or standard of care than drivers of other vehicles, including limits on the numbers of driving hours and operating carefully and without distraction, even on narrow roads and alleys.
Texas Lawyers For Accidents With Garbage Trucks
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, it will be necessary to deal with the parties and the insurance companies, all of whom will try to pay you as little as possible. That’s why you need the experience and expertise of a Corpus Christi truck accident attorney on your side to get you the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other losses you may have experienced. Contact The Gutierrez Law Firm today, so that we can evaluate your case and help you protect your rights.