Garbage trucks provide a necessary service to people all over the country, but they are also responsible for a number of auto accidents each year. These vehicles are large, heavy, and are often driven in violation of many traffic laws. The dangers that garbage trucks pose can even extend to highways, where even larger, heavier trucks transport trash in higher volumes.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving a garbage truck, contact the Law Offices of Prosper Shaked. Miami garbage truck accident attorney Prosper Shaked represents victims of garbage truck accidents and works to help them file claims for financial compensation. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact our law offices today at (305) 694-2676.
Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Miami
Garbage truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. The common causes of an accident often depend on whether the garbage truck involved in your accident was the common type of truck you see on the streets in the city or in town or whether it was a larger truck used to transport trash long distances on the highway. Our garbage truck accident lawyer explains.
The typical type of garbage truck that is commonly seen on the street is a large vehicle that carries a huge amount of compacted trash, meaning these trucks are also quite heavy. Their weight means that they can often cause more substantial damage when they are involved in a crash, and the size makes it difficult for a driver to keep a proper lookout, potentially striking cars in its blind spots. These trucks typically drive quite slowly, but they may often swerve into the center of the street and stop unexpectedly. These trucks may also park and stop around blind corners or in other places where a driver cannot see the truck. If any of these problems contribute to the accident, you could be able to hold the garbage truck driver and the garbage company accountable for the injuries you face.
Larger garbage trucks are used to transport material from one place to another, often on the highway. These trucks run into the same pitfalls as many large trucks, like tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers. The most common contributing cause of accidents with these kinds of trucks is drivers who fail to check their blind spots – which are quite large on these trucks. Other causes of bad accidents can come from drunk or drugged driving, tired driving, improperly loaded or unevenly loaded cargo, and equipment problems.
Whether you were injured on local roads or the highway, the garbage truck driver and their employer can often be held responsible for the injuries you face.
Suing for a Trash Truck Accident in Florida
If you or a loved one was injured in a garbage truck accident, you could face serious harm. An accident involving a large, heavy truck and a common sedan or SUV often leaves the occupants of the smaller vehicle with serious injuries. These injuries can result in high medical costs, missed work, and pain and suffering, often entitling you to substantial financial compensation. One of the best ways to get that compensation is usually to take your case to court rather than accepting insurance payouts or settlements.
When you take the at-fault garbage truck driver to court, you may be able to sue their employer as well. If their employer is a private garbage collection company, you may be able to hold them responsible for the full value of the damages you faced. If the garbage truck was owned and operated by the government, such as the City of Miami or Miami-Dade County, you may be limited in how much you can claim when suing the government – but you can still file for damages up to that limit.
Suing a garbage company requires showing that the employee that injured you was working within the scope of their duties when they caused the accident. That means that if the driver diverted from their normal route or did something against company policy, the garbage company may try to escape blame. Typically, these defenses can be overcome through evidence that your attorney can uncover during a thorough investigation.
If you are unable to sue the driver’s employer for whatever reason, you may still be able to claim damages against the driver directly. Their insurance will often be able to cover these costs if you claim your damages in a court of law.
Call Our Miami Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in an accident with a garbage truck in the Miami area, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today. Miami garbage truck accident lawyer Prosper Shaked may be able to take your case and work to get you the compensation you need. For a free legal consultation, call our law offices today at (305) 694-2676.