San Antonio Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

There’s no doubt that garbage trucks provide a valuable service to the community of San Antonio. However, they can also present a high risk of harm to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists who share the road.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, you should understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.

The San Antonio truck crash lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, have over two decades of experience helping truck accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you were in an accident involving a garbage truck, our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What Makes Garbage Trucks So Dangerous?

Garbage trucks pose unique risks and factors that make crashes more likely and oftentimes more catastrophic than other motor vehicle accidents in San Antonio. Some of the most common causes of garbage truck crashes include:

• Frequent stops: Garbage trucks may make frequent stops. Their operators may fail to signal their actions to other motorists or might stop in dangerous locations.
• Backing up: Garbage truck operators may frequently back up. With large blind spots, they may not be able to see traffic or pedestrians behind them, which can lead to serious blind spot accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers: Working for the city or a trash collection company can be hard work. It can be challenging to keep truck drivers, which can potentially lead to hiring an inexperienced or unqualified driver.
• Pedestrian presence: Garbage trucks operate in residential neighborhoods where pedestrians may be present. If operators don’t pay attention, they may run over pedestrians and cause serious pedestrian accidents in San Antonio.
• Work in low-visibility environments: Garbage routes often begin early in the morning and can continue after sunset. Visibility may be poor during the work, leading to a greater risk of accidents.
• Narrow roads: Garbage trucks operate in residential areas that often have narrow roads. It can be difficult for garbage truck drivers to safely maneuver large vehicles in these neighborhoods. Drivers may accidentally run into parked vehicles, pedestrians, or others in these environments.
• Mechanical issues: Garbage trucks use specialized mechanical systems, including hydraulic lifts and compacting equipment. When this equipment is defective or is not repaired, it can pose additional hazards.

An experienced San Antonio garbage truck accident lawyer can investigate to determine the factors that contributed to the crash.

Common Injuries Garbage Truck Accident Victims Face

Due to the size and weight of garbage trucks, accident victims often suffer serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries that occur when accident victims hit their head on a hard surface
• Spinal cord injuries, which are common because the brunt of the impact may occur to the back
• Broken bones due to the force of the impact with such a large vehicle
• Internal injuries, which can include organ damage, internal bleeding, and other serious injuries that require immediate medical treatment
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and damage to ligaments, muscles, and tendons

These injuries may require emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Seek medical attention immediately. Then, contact an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, who can help hold the negligent parties responsible for your injuries.  

If you have lost a loved one in a garbage truck crash, you need the legal expertise of a San Antonio wrongful death attorney to help you file a claim and fight for justice.

Who Is Responsible for Garbage Truck Accidents?

Garbage truck accidents can involve municipalities and government entities. When they do, the Texas Tort Claims Act applies. In such cases, specific requirements and deadlines must be followed to protect your rights. When the accident involves a private waste management company or manufacturer, corporate liability rules may apply. Our experienced San Antonio garbage truck accident attorneys will conduct a throughout investigation of your case to determine liable parties.

Contact Our San Antonio Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys Today

If you were injured in a garbage truck accident, the injury lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our San Antonio garbage truck accident attorneys understand the legal intricacies involved in these types of cases. We work diligently to secure the compensation that accident victims suffer, including to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced San Antonio garbage truck accident lawyer. Call (210) 922-0808 now.