Garbage trucks are essential for the cleanliness and sanitation of major cities in New Mexico, such as Albuquerque. However, they are also dangerous vehicles due to limited visibility, frequent stops and routes that take them through residential areas. If someone gets injured in a garbage truck collision, one or more parties – including the government – could be held responsible.
Why Do Garbage Truck Accidents Happen?
Garbage trucks are classified as commercial vehicles, meaning drivers need special commercial driver’s licenses to operate them. This license requires special training and education in how to properly operate a large truck, since they are more difficult to drive and pose unique hazards compared to standard passenger cars.
Unfortunately, garbage truck drivers can make many of the same mistakes as other motor vehicle drivers, including:
- Violating traffic laws and ignoring road signs
- Distracted driving
- Cell phone use while driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Failing to check blind spots
- Backing up without proper precautions
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Ignoring others’ rights-of-way
- Following others too closely
- Aggressive or road-rage driving
In addition to driver error, garbage truck accidents can be caused by vehicle maintenance problems, part or equipment malfunctions, overloaded trucks, dangerous roads and bad weather.
Common Garbage Truck Accident Injuries
The size and weight of a garbage truck can unfortunately result in severe injuries to those involved in a crash – especially bicyclists and pedestrians. Getting hit by a garbage truck can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
A garbage truck accident victim may have to live with the effects of the crash for the rest of his or her life due to permanent scarring, disfigurement or disability.
Who Is Responsible for a Garbage Truck Accident in New Mexico?
Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, can be difficult to determine following a garbage truck accident. Unlike a typical car accident case, a garbage truck accident involves not only the driver of the truck but various third parties, such as:
- The garbage truck driver’s employer
- The owner of the garbage truck
- A waste management company
- The municipal government
- A garbage truck maintenance company
- The manufacturer of the garbage truck
- Other drivers
Determining which party or parties share fault for a garbage truck accident often takes a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. An experienced Albuquerque truck accident lawyer can revisit the scene of your accident, interview eyewitnesses, hire experts, gather evidence and take other steps to support your claim against one or more parties.
How to File Your Garbage Truck Accident Claim
After getting hurt in a garbage truck accident, put your safety first. Get immediate medical care for any injuries and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Call 911 to report the accident to law enforcement. Get the garbage truck driver’s information, including the company he or she works for. Then, contact the waste management company to report the crash.
When you’re ready to file an injury claim, start by consulting with an attorney. An attorney can investigate the truck accident to determine who is at fault and find the insurance information to file a claim. Your lawyer can take over claim negotiations with an insurance provider or bring your case to trial on your behalf to fight for the outcome you deserve.
If you were recently injured in a collision involving a garbage truck in New Mexico, contact The Fine Law Firm to arrange a free case consultation. We can explain your legal rights and options to you in detail after listening to your story.