Garbage Truck Accidents in Atlanta, GA

The truck accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP often deal with the aftermath of commercial truck accidents, like big rigs and tractor-trailers. However, we also see the consequences of crashes involving other commercial vehicles, like garbage trucks. Garbage trucks are a common sight on our roads and in our neighborhoods, often operating from the early morning to throughout the day. While they provide an essential service by helping to keep our communities clean, the nature of their operation can also pose serious hazards to other road users.

Why do garbage truck accidents happen?

The daily routine of a garbage truck driver is complex and demanding. Sanitation workers navigate narrow residential streets, making frequent stops and starts, while crew members routinely get on and off the truck—often amid active traffic. Here are some of the common issues that contribute to garbage truck accidents:

• Garbage truck drivers often start their routes early in the morning, working long hours to cover their assigned areas. Such work can lead to fatigue, which impairs judgment, slows reaction times and increases the risk of mistakes. Like all commercial truck drivers, garbage truck operators are vulnerable to the risks associated with driving while fatigued.
• Distractions like cell phones, on-board computers and the complexity of the job can divert a driver’s attention from the road, even for a brief moment, potentially leading to an accident.
• Like commercial trucks, garbage trucks have significant blind spots. Drivers must be cautious when changing lanes, backing up, or making turns in these blind spots, as they may not see smaller vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. Trucks make frequent stops and starts in residential areas, which can increase the chances of a blind-spot accident.
• Garbage truck drivers must work their way through narrow streets, deal with parked cars and maneuver around obstacles. These conditions can increase the risk of collisions, especially if the driver is rushed or inexperienced.
• While it might seem counterintuitive for a large, slow-moving vehicle to be speeding, drivers may feel pressure to complete their routes quickly, leading to them taking unnecessary risks. Such behavior can include speeding, running stop signs or making unsafe turns.
• Heavy-duty vehicles such as garbage trucks endure significant wear and tear. If they aren’t properly maintained, things like brake failure, tire blowouts or steering issues can occur. Mechanical failures can lead to a loss of control and result in a serious accident.
• In some cases, accidents are caused by the actions of the garbage truck crew. For instance, a worker may step into traffic without checking for oncoming vehicles, or unsecured debris may fall from the truck, creating dangerous conditions for others on the road. Operating a large commercial vehicle like a garbage truck requires proper training. If drivers and crew are not properly trained on safe operating procedures, hazard awareness, and traffic laws, the likelihood of accidents increases.

What are common injuries in accidents involving garbage trucks in Atlanta?

The sheer weight and size of garbage trucks can make the resulting injuries from an accident severe and life-altering. Some of the common injuries we see from these types of accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries. The force of impact in a garbage truck accident can cause significant trauma to the head, leading to concussions, skull fractures, and even long-term cognitive and physical symptoms.
• Spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries can result in paralysis, either partial or complete, and can have a devastating effect on a person’s life.
• Broken bones and fractures. The massive weight of a garbage truck can inflict tremendous force in a crash, leading to multiple fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
• Internal organ damage. The impact of a crash can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Crush injuries. Pedestrians or cyclists are particularly vulnerable to crush injuries, which can result in severe tissue damage, broken bones, and even traumatic amputation injuries.
• Lacerations and abrasions. These injuries can occur from flying debris or contact with the road surface during an accident.
• Wrongful death. Tragically, some garbage truck accidents result in fatalities. In these cases, the family of the victim may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Who is responsible for an Atlanta garbage truck accident?

Determining who’s at fault for your garbage truck accident is an important step in pursuing your claim for compensation. Several parties could potentially be held liable, depending on the circumstances of your accident. These parties can include:

• If the garbage truck driver was negligent – for example, speeding, driving distracted, or violating other traffic laws – they could be held responsible for the accident.
• The company that employs the driver can also be held liable for the driver’s negligence under a legal principle known as “respondeat superior.” Also, if the company failed to maintain the truck properly, hired an unqualified driver, or pressured drivers to work unsafe hours, it could be held directly liable.
• In some cases, garbage collection services might be provided by the city or county. If the municipality’s negligence, such as improper route planning or inadequate training, contributed to the accident, they could face accountability.
• In less common scenarios, a third party’s actions might have contributed to the accident. For example, a poorly maintained road or the actions of another driver could have played a role in the accident.

We understand that it’s essential to investigate your garbage truck accident thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf. Such an investigation can involve reviewing police reports, witness statements, truck maintenance logs, driver records, and other relevant evidence.

What should I do if I’m in an accident involving a garbage truck in Atlanta?

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a garbage truck, it’s important to take the following steps to protect both your health and your legal rights.

• First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for immediate medical help.
• Call the police so they can file an official accident report. This report will be a valuable piece of evidence for your case.
• Get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and the name of the garbage collection company. Also, try to get the truck’s license plate and any other identifying information on the truck itself.
• If you are physically able to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, their positions, and any relevant road conditions or hazards. Additionally, get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Even if you don’t feel seriously injured at the scene, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Certain injuries—such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries—may not present symptoms right away. Prompt medical evaluation helps ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, and can establish a clear connection to the accident.The insurance company for the garbage truck or responsible party will likely try to contact you. Be polite, but do not give any recorded statements or agree to any settlements without first speaking to an experienced truck accident lawyer. Their goal is to minimize their payout—not protect your best interests.

Finally, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. Here at Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we can help you understand your rights, thoroughly investigate the accident, and work through the often complex process of filing a claim. We deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight to ensure you secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Why choose Harris Lowry Manton LLP?

We know that the aftermath of a garbage truck accident can be overwhelming. You’re facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial stressors. But you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we have a proven track record of successfully representing individuals who have been injured in accidents involving large commercial vehicles, including garbage trucks. We understand the complexities of these types of cases and have the resources and know-how to conduct thorough investigations, build strong legal strategies, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve for your losses and damages.

We’re committed to providing our clients with personalized attention, clear and timely communication, and aggressive advocacy. We take the burden of dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork off your shoulders so you can focus on healing from your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident here in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand all of your legal options. Time limits may apply to filing a claim, so it’s important to act quickly. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.