Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer In Houston

Waste collection vehicles, commonly known as garbage trucks, retrieve and haul trash and recyclable materials. They are driven daily on regular routes and can be found on all Houston roadways. You will see them in neighborhoods, apartment parking lots, and at every type of business. Garbage trucks are essential in keeping our communities clean, but they are also very dangerous. Vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians frequently encounter garbage trucks. If an accident occurs, it is no minor event. Impact with a vehicle weighing 50,000-60,000 pounds can be fatal.

Call us if you or someone you love has been involved in a Houston garbage truck accident. You are likely suffering the consequences of injuries, medical expenses, and possibly even lost wages. Gibson Hill Personal Injury would like to help you seek compensation for your injuries. We have years of experience with garbage truck cases and know who to hold accountable for the accident.

When you contact us and schedule a free initial consultation, we can work together to determine the best way to proceed with your claim. Just call us at (713) 659-4000 or contact us online.

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    Advantages of Having a Gibson Hill Personal Injury Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

    When you are trying to recover after an incident with a garbage truck, you are likely suffering physical pain and emotional stress. People injured in accidents typically have some form of compensation available. However, obtaining it may require tremendous effort. Having legal representation from Gibson Hill Personal Injury will ease the burden because we do the work of going after the liable parties and defending your rights.

    Our experienced lawyers will secure all the evidence needed to build a compelling personal injury case on your behalf. We will handle all communication with the insurance company using our skillful negotiation abilities. While you focus on recovering, we will focus on proving that you deserve a fair settlement. You won’t be charged any fees until we win your case.

    Potential Victims of Garbage Truck Accidents in Houston

    Anyone who is in the vicinity of a garbage truck can become an accident victim, and here is why:

    Vehicle drivers and occupants: Garbage trucks are on their routes all day and constantly share the road with other vehicles. They also make frequent stops and starts and often block the paths of other drivers, catching them off guard.

    Motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians: These people are difficult for garbage truck drivers to see because they can easily disappear in the truck’s blind spots.

    Waste collection employees: Being around the trucks daily makes waste collection employees the most likely victims of garbage truck accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, this group of workers had the fifth-highest fatal work injury rate of civilian occupations in 2018. Employees with injuries from a garbage truck accident may be eligible for workers’ compensation and other potential third-party damages.

    How Garbage Truck Accidents Can Happen

    Because of the size of a garbage truck, it doesn’t maneuver like a standard automobile. Its driver may have difficulty seeing other vehicles or people nearby. These trucks have mirrors, but the driver still has blind spots. This can contribute to the reason an accident happens, but there are other factors as well:

    Route locations: Garbage trucks must go everywhere to collect waste. That includes populated areas such as neighborhoods, apartment complexes, schools, shopping centers, and other commercial areas. The more vehicles and people the trucks come in contact with, the higher the risk is for accidents.

    Frequent stops and starts: Having to stop and start at numerous locations throughout their routes can cause garbage trucks to be unpredictable to other vehicles. Rear-end collisions can occur when motorists are not expecting the truck to stop, or they can be hit while trying to pass a truck that starts before expected.

    Driver distraction or negligence: Speeding, failing to use turn signals, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, running stop signs and traffic lights, and other irresponsible driving can cause accidents. Drivers who are fatigued or distracted by using their phones or other interferences are also at risk of provoking a collision.

    Inclement weather: Trash pick-up is required when at all possible, even during hazardous weather. Conditions such as heavy rain and snow can create slippery roads and reduce drivers’ visibility.

    Inadequate maintenance: With all the miles garbage trucks drive, proper inspection and repairs are crucial for safety. Accidents can happen if waste management companies fail to maintain their trucks or when design and manufacturing defects cause equipment to fail.

    Common Injuries from Garbage Truck Accidents in Houston

    Accidents involving heavy vehicles, such as garbage trucks, can have a greater potential to cause serious or even fatal injuries to the human body than with other auto accidents. The many types of injuries incurred during garbage truck accidents include:

    Attaining Compensation for Garbage Truck Accident Injuries

    Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer In HoustonA city government or private company can operate garbage collection services. If your accident involved a city-owned garbage truck, legal action is different than against a private party. Government entities are typically protected from liability, but the Texas Tort Claims Act does allow agencies to be held responsible for personal injury when there is government employment negligence or defective government property. Suing any government entity has its challenges, so the help of an experienced attorney is essential for a successful outcome.

    Both public organizations and private waste management companies have teams of insurance professionals and experts to defend against personal injury claims. You need legal representation to navigate the process and fight for your rights to be upheld, so you can receive the compensation you deserve.

    Liability for a garbage truck accident can also be placed on parties other than the truck’s owner. These may include:

    Garbage truck driver: Sometimes, the garbage truck driver is at fault if their actions while driving were negligent. This can also lead to holding the owner responsible for hiring a negligent driver.

    Other drivers: If the carelessness of another vehicle driver caused your accident with a garbage truck, they would be the responsible party.

    Maintenance and inspection contractors: A maintenance company can be contracted to handle garbage truck service and repairs. They can be liable if they are careless about the required maintenance procedures.

    Truck or parts manufacturers: If defective equipment or malfunction of the garbage truck caused the accident, the manufacturers may be at fault.

    Once we identify all parties at fault for your accident, your Gibson Hill Personal Injury attorney will battle for the maximum compensation available. The damages you can be reimbursed for include:

    This process is an uphill battle, so letting an experienced garbage truck accident attorney handle your case is the best way to ensure you recover everything you owe.

    Houston Garbage Truck Accident Questions Answered

    When you come in for your free consultation with one of our Houston garbage truck accident attorneys, we will be able to discuss all of your questions and concerns. In the meantime, here are a few answers to common questions posed by our clients.

    How long do I have to file a garbage truck injury claim?

    In Houston, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the incident. A few exceptions to this deadline exist, but starting a claim as soon after the accident is always better. Most cities require you to provide notice of legal action against a governmental agency within 180 days, so there is even more reason to promptly contact one of our Houston garbage truck accident attorneys to learn about your options.

    What can I do to ensure I get the maximum settlement I deserve?

    Having documentation for all of your qualified expenses is an important step you can take. Be sure to keep the receipts for every bill and payment you make for charges related to your injuries. We want to ensure your claim covers all your expenses.

    What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

    There is no need to worry about paying for legal services upfront. We collect our fees from the damages you are awarded, not directly from you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.

    Turn to Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Help Today

    If your life or the life of a loved one has been disrupted by an accident with a garbage truck, our compassionate Houston truck accident attorneys can protect your rights. Your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to increase when we’re working on your behalf. Let us start helping you get your life back on track today by calling (713) 659-4000 or completing our online form to schedule a free initial case evaluation.

     

     

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