Garbage collector throwing trash in garbage truck.

Understandably, most people do not envision garbage trucks when they think of auto accidents. Though they are relatively uncommon, these accidents do happen and can lead to serious injuries. Injury victims in these cases are likely entitled to compensation. Do not wait to have your case reviewed by an attorney.

For over three decades, the garbage truck accident lawyers at Spiva Law Group have fought for the rights of injured Georgians. Our team of garbage truck accident attorneys is ready to evaluate your case and put that experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Common Are Garbage Truck Accidents in Savannah?

Each truck accident that results in injuries deserves the undivided attention of an experienced personal injury attorney. That said, statistics show that waste collection results in relatively few truck accidents each year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the waste collection industry employs just over 62,000 individuals in the United States. Further, according to 2019 data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), garbage trucks were involved in just 2.2 percent of fatal truck accidents, 2.5 percent of truck accidents resulting in injuries, and 2.2 percent of tow-away truck accidents.

Of course, each human life lost in an accident represents much more than a statistic. While accidents involving garbage trucks made up a relatively small percentage of the total number of truck accidents, they accounted for more than 100 deaths and 1,500 injuries. If you were injured in a garbage truck accident, the personal injury attorneys at Spiva Law Group are ready to provide the compassionate legal representation you deserve.

Common Causes of Savannah Garbage Truck Accidents

Contributing factors to garbage trucks are often the same as those in other accidents involving large trucks. Others are unique to the waste collection industry. Some common causes of garbage truck accidents include:

Frequent stopping
Overloaded trucks
Large blind spots
Difficulty maneuvering in small areas (for example, alleys)
Failure to inspect and maintain equipment
Distracted driving
Disregard for traffic laws
Poor weather conditions
Poor road conditions

Of course, the sheer size and weight of garbage trucks compared to other vehicles is often the most important factor when it comes to the severity of an accident. Other important factors include the kinds of vehicles involved in the crash, their velocity at the time of the accident, and the angle of impact. A Savannah garbage truck accident lawyer can help.

Common Injuries Sustained in Garbage Truck Accidents

Like any large truck accident, garbage truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some common injuries associated with garbage truck accidents include:

Broken and fractured bones
Lacerations and puncture wounds
Strains, sprains, and bruises
Head and brain injuries
Back and neck injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Amputation and permanent disfigurement
Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash
Emotional trauma

How Are Garbage Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Much like buses and 18-wheelers, garbage trucks are much taller, longer, and heavier than the average passenger vehicle. When a garbage truck wrecks with one of these smaller vehicles, the garbage truck’s large size typically insulates it from significant damage. By contrast, the smaller vehicle is often seriously damaged and passengers seriously injured.

Accidents involving garbage trucks are also distinguished by the potential at-fault parties. Depending on who is responsible for waste collection where the accident took place, multiple parties may ultimately be liable for the accident. Potential at-fault parties include garbage truck drivers, waste collection crew members, waste management companies, and local governments.

In the last case, accident victims generally face unique challenges when suing local governments because these entities enjoy a number of protections and immunities against lawsuits. For example, plaintiffs must often comply with shortened deadlines that do not exist in cases against more commonplace defendants. Therefore, it is important to get your case to an attorney as soon as possible so they can research the relevant law and make sure you comply with all filing requirements.

What Compensation is Available for a Garbage Truck Accident?

Your compensation for your injuries will depend on the severity of your losses and the nature of the accident. The personal injury attorneys at Spiva Law Group can help you recover compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost income
Lost earning capacity
Permanent disfigurement and disability
Pain and suffering
Lowered quality of life
Emotional trauma
Lost or damaged property
Burial and funeral expenses
Wrongful death

Is There a Deadline for Filing an Injury Lawsuit for a Garbage Truck Accident?

Yes. In Georgia, the deadline for most personal injury cases is set at two years from the date of the accident. Further, if you plan to seek compensation for your injuries from a local government, there are likely other important deadlines you must comply with.

Failure to do so will likely result in your case being significantly delayed or dismissed in court. To avoid the legal consequences of missed deadlines, bring your case to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

What Should You Do After a Savannah Garbage Truck Accident?

The moments after any accident can be extremely disorienting, especially if you are seriously injured. However, there are some basic steps you can take to begin helping your case early on. These include:

Report the accident – You should first report the accident. The police officers dispatched to the site will document the accident in an official report. This will serve as one of the first pieces of evidence in your case.
Gather evidence – Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the scene. Document as much as possible, including injuries, damaged vehicles, weather conditions, road conditions, signs of negligence, and anything that might indicate that the truck operators were on the job at the time of the accident. Also, be sure to identify witnesses and collect their contact information.
Seek medical attention – Of course, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are severely injured, you may need immediate attention. However, do not underestimate the significance of “minor” injuries. The treatment records your doctor creates will ultimately be used to assess the severity of your injuries and to calculate your compensation. Therefore, all injuries should be well documented.
Consult with an attorney – Your truck accident case may turn out to be legally complex. Among other things, there may be unique deadlines that could compromise your case if missed. Further, the sooner you speak to an attorney, the sooner they can begin collecting important evidence before it begins to disintegrate or disappear.

Contact a Savannah Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, you might be entitled to compensation. Though garbage truck accidents are relatively rare, they can be quite serious when they do arise. Further, the route to compensation can be more complicated than in more run-of-the-mill case types.

For best results, bring your case to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Savannah personal injury lawyers at Spiva Law Group are a call away and ready to fight for you. Call 912-920-2000 today for a free consultation.