According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 1,427 injury accidents involving garbage trucks in the U.S. in 2017. If you were hurt in a garbage truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, an Andrew garbage truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you fight for compensation in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. The potentially recoverable damages in this type of case may include your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
For a free case review with a team member, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.
Garbage Truck Accident Causes and Liability
If another party’s negligence caused your garbage truck accident, they might be liable for your damages. There are many ways that negligence may be a factor in an accident, including:
Falling Objects
Some garbage trucks carry their load with an open back. If the garbage truck is over capacity or loaded improperly, trash may fall off the truck. Falling trash can strike vehicles or leave debris in the road that can lead to an accident.
Driver Distractions
If the garbage truck driver is distracted by their cell phone, a GPS unit, or a coworker conversation, they may make a driving error and cause an accident.
Driver Fatigue
A garbage truck driver is a physical job with long hours. Sometimes they work early in the morning or late at night. Fatigued or exhausted from their route, they might fall asleep behind the wheel, drive out of their lane, or swerve off the road and cause an accident.
Vehicle Maintenance
Failure to properly maintain a garbage truck in the shop can lead to a failure on the road. Even the smallest of mechanical failures can lead to disaster on the road with such a large vehicle.
Lack of Training and Experience
Garbage trucks, like any large vehicle, take training to operate properly. Improperly or inadequately trained operators can make poor decisions that can lead to accidents. Poor training could include operators unable to safely navigate the large truck or loading the garbage improperly.
Violations of Traffic Law
Like any other driver, a garbage truck operator can cause an accident with a traffic law violation, such as speeding, failure to yield, an illegal lane change, etc.
In some cases, a garbage truck company may be liable for the negligent actions of their employee. When we work together on your case, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can investigate your accident and identify the liable party.
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The Statute of Limitations in Louisiana
According to the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you generally have one year after your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. If you wait too long and let this deadline pass without taking legal action, you may be unable to recover compensation for your damages via a lawsuit.
For information on what specific deadlines apply to your case, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777. A member of our car accident team is standing by to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.
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Evidence in a Garbage Truck Accident Case
When you work with an Andrew garbage truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on your case, we can collect evidence of fault and liability to support your claim. This evidence may include:
- Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and your property damage
- Dashcam or traffic footage, if available
- Witness testimony
- Your medical records
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
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Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Garbage Truck Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in a garbage truck accident, you could be eligible for compensation for your losses. Depending on the details of your accident, the recoverable damages in this type of case may include:
Medical Expenses
You may be able to receive compensation for any medical bills you have acquired due to your accident, as well as for your estimated future medical expenses. These damages may cover everything from post-accident emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, and ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.
Property Damages
Property damages include any losses to your vehicle or any other property in the garbage truck accident. You may be able to get compensation to cover vehicle repairs or to purchase a new vehicle.
Loss of Income
If you had to miss work during your recovery process, you might be able to get compensation for your lost income.
Reduced Earning Capability
If your injuries cause long-lasting or permanent damage that forces you to change careers or take a lower-paying job, you may be able to recover compensation for your reduced earning capability.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation may be available for any physical or emotional pain you have gone through due to your accident.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you identify your damages and collect evidence of their value when working together on your case.
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
An Andrew garbage truck accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can take over all of the legal work in your case when we represent you. While you focus on your recovery, we can manage all deadlines, communications, and paperwork on your behalf.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777. We may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis. You are not obligated to pay us any attorney fees until we help you receive a fair settlement offer or court award.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
