Garbage Truck Accidents

Accidents involving municipal or privately operated garbage trucks often result in significant injuries or property damage for victims. Unfortunately, recovering compensation after these types of incidents can be very challenging. At Larry R. Williams, PLLC, we are standing for help if you need a garbage truck accident lawyer by your side. Let our team conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, gather evidence to determine liability, and help you recover the compensation needed to get through this.

Why Choose Larry R. Williams, PLLC for a Garbage Truck Claim?

  • At Larry R. Williams, PLLC, we have more than four decades of experience handling complex injury claims in the Middle Tennessee area.
  • We take pride in building relationships with our clients. You will always be able to get a hold of your attorney when you have questions or concerns about your case.
  • Our team has no qualms going up against insurance carriers or other attorneys in order to help you recover compensation for your losses.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents, while less common than passenger vehicle crashes, can have devastating consequences due to the size and operational nature of these vehicles. In Tennessee, several factors contribute to these incidents, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding these causes is crucial for preventing accidents and determining liability.

  1. Limited visibility. Garbage trucks have significant blind spots that can obscure pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles. These blind spots are primarily at the sides and rear of the truck, making it difficult for drivers to see other road users.
  2. Frequent stops and reversing. Garbage collection requires trucks to stop frequently and sometimes unexpectedly. Additionally, these trucks often have to reverse on narrow streets or in areas where visibility is compromised. Both situations increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles or objects.
  3. Mechanical failures. Garbage trucks are subject to intense wear and tear due to the nature of their work. Failure to regularly maintain hydraulic lifts, brakes, and other critical components can lead to malfunctions, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
  4. Driver fatigue and distraction. The demanding schedules and repetitive nature of garbage collection can lead to driver fatigue. Additionally, distractions from mobile devices or operational controls inside the truck cab can divert attention from the road.
  5. Speeding and reckless driving. Despite their size and the complexity of their operations, some garbage truck drivers may speed or engage in reckless driving to meet tight schedules, increasing the risk of accidents.

Determining liability after a garbage truck accident occurs can be challenging and requires an extensive investigation by a skilled legal advocate. It is not uncommon for there to be more than one party at fault for these incidents, something that often gets overlooked and pushed into the rug when finalizing these claims. We want to help you hold every possible liable party accountable for their actions so you can recover the compensation needed to move forward with your life.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

You may have never worked with an attorney before, and you may have misconceptions about what it’s like to work with one. A Nashville truck accident lawyer is there to be your advocate. They are your ally when working to recover compensation from the alleged negligent party after a garbage truck accident occurs. The role of your attorney is to help you and your family through this process by handling every aspect of the claim. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into the incident
  • Communicating with any insurance carrier involved
  • Handling all aspects of determining liability
  • Ensuring you are evaluated by trusted medical/economic professionals
  • Handling any negotiations for fair compensation
  • Fully preparing the claim for trial

What Type of Injuries can Occur?

Garbage truck accidents in Tennessee can result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, due to the disproportionate size and weight of a garbage truck versus a smaller passenger vehicle, drivers and passengers in these smaller vehicles can sustain various types of trauma, including:

  • Fractured or dislocated bones
  • Major lacerations
  • Crush injuries or amputations
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Concussions
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Severe bruising or contusions

What Compensation is Available for These Claims?

Garbage truck accident victims may be able to recover various types of compensation if their claim against another party is successful. At Larry R. Williams, PLLC., we work diligently to help clients receive “special” and “general closed quote damages. Often referred to as economic and non-economic damages, this can include:

  • Coverage of initial emergency medical bills
  • Payment of any ongoing doctor or hospital needs
  • Coverage of any lost income or loss of future earnings
  • Out-of-pocket expense coverage
  • Property damage expenses
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering or distress damages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages

The total amount of compensation paid to garbage truck accident victims in Tennessee, if their claim is successful, will vary depending on factors related to each specific claim. No two truck accident claims are exactly alike, and the total amount of compensation a person receives will depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, how long it takes a victim to recover, the age of the victim, whether or not there was any shared fault for the incident, insurance policy limitations, and more.

A truck accident lawyer in Nashville can help explore your compensation options and help ensure you are treated fairly throughout this process.

Call a Nashville Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been harmed in an accident involving a garbage truck in or around the Nashville area (or anywhere throughout Middle Tennessee), contact the Nashville personal injury lawyers at Larry R. Williams, PLLC for help as soon as possible. We have extensive experience handling complicated truck accident claims, including those related to municipal entities or private third-party companies. When you need a Nashville garbage truck accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your claim by calling (615) 237-8619 or by filling out our contact form.