You’re driving or walking along one day, and out of nowhere, a garbage truck smashes into your car, bike, or maybe even you as a pedestrian. Though we’d like to think that this scenario is unlikely, the unfortunate reality is that garbage truck accidents are not uncommon occurrences in New York City. In fact, according to a report conducted by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, garbage trucks were responsible for dozens of fatalities and well over 100 injuries within the last ten years. These crashes are often the result of negligence, recklessness, or safety violations by garbage truck drivers or companies. If you are someone who has been injured as a result of a garbage truck driver or garbage truck company negligence, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation to recover from your injuries. Please continue reading and reach out to a New York City personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about garbage truck accidents and how we can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do most garbage truck accidents occur?
Garbage truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but in most cases, they are a result of negligence, either on the part of the garbage truck driver or the garbage truck company. Some of the most common causes of garbage truck accidents include:
- Dumping waste haphazardly
- Failing to ensure garbage trucks are regularly inspected and in working order
- Hiring unlicensed or unskilled truck operators or employees
- Spilling toxic waste
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Driving while distracted, such as while using a GPS
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disregarding blind spots or otherwise unsafely merging
What steps should I take after a garbage truck accident?
If you are injured in a garbage truck accident, you should take the following steps to ensure you get the care you need, all while maximizing your chances of recovering financial compensation:
- Call the police.
- Get medical treatment at the scene and ensure you see a doctor or go to the hospital.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Take pictures of any damages caused by the accident.
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you retrieve surveillance footage or other types of useful evidence.
As long as we can prove you were hurt due to no fault of your own, you should recover compensation to help you deal with the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
