We rely on garbage removal services to improve our communities and remove trash, but a negligent garbage truck driver or worker can cause serious harm. If you were injured in a garbage truck accident in New Mexico, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Caruso Law Offices can discuss your legal rights during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks may be involved in accidents for various reasons. Because these vehicles are so large and powerful, collisions between them and much smaller passenger vehicles
- Unqualified drivers – Garbage trucks are large and require specific skills to safely operate. Desperate companies may hire unqualified drivers or fail to check prospective drivers’ backgrounds when hiring new drivers. This is especially devastating because the truck’s size and weight tend to result in more serious injuries.
- Tight schedules – Drivers may be subject to tight schedules, leading to them speeding and driving aggressively to meet them.
- Driver fatigue – Drivers may begin operating early in the morning to meet these tight schedules and continue for many hours without taking a break. This can cause drivers to be tired while operating these large and dangerous vehicles.
- Frequent stops – Garbage trucks may make frequent starts and stops, which can confuse other motorists.
- Failing to check blind spots – Garbage trucks have large blind spots. When drivers do not properly monitor them, it can be difficult for them to see other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- Distractions – Drivers may be distracted by cell phones, messages from their boss, or their crew mates. These distractions can cause them to miss potential hazards ahead or to rear-end a vehicle in front of them.
- Failing to yield the right of way – Garbage truck drivers may fail to yield to other motorists in intersections, pedestrians crossing the street, or other vehicles already in the lane when merging.
- Unsafe back ups – Drivers may fail to look out for other motorists or road users when backing up or may not see them due to their large blind spots.
- Improperly loaded trash – In their rush, garbage workers may quickly load trash in the vehicle without considering the imbalance of weight, which can cause the vehicle to become imbalanced and more likely to tip over.
- Mechanical issues – Because of the weight and wear and tear of this line of work, garbage trucks may have mechanical issues such as blown tires, brake failure, or malfunctions in the hydraulic lifting arms that lead to accidents.
An experienced attorney can review your crash and determine how it occurred.
Liability for Garbage Truck Accidents
Because some cities control garbage and waste removal services and others use private companies, who is responsible for the accident will depend on the circumstances. The garbage truck driver’s employer is generally responsible for their negligent acts. Additionally, the employer or government can be responsible for their own forms of negligence, such as failing to conduct proper background checks to ensure the driver had proper training and a clear driving record.
Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers with Caruso Law Offices
If you were seriously injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, you may have a viable legal claim for damages, but you should work with an attorney who understands the legal complexities involved in these types of cases. Contact us online for a free consultation.