The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas have sanitation and waste management programs that involve a large number of garbage trucks navigating the streets. These trucks are often in residential areas, where there are many pedestrians and children playing. If a garbage truck operator is negligent, or fails to behave in the proper manner, he or she could cause a devastating accident. If you were involved in an accident, make sure to speak with a truck accident attorney in San Antonio.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in TexasÂ
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 5,700 fatal accidents involved large trucks in 2021. Operating a garbage truck requires a special license and training. If a driver falls short of the expected standard of care while operating a waste collection vehicle in San Antonio, this can result in a serious truck accident.
Common causes of garbage truck accidents include:
- Inadequately trained truck drivers
- Careless or reckless truck operation
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Speeding or violating traffic laws
- Improper truck reversal
- Truck mechanical failures
- Faulty hydraulic systems
- Improper garbage truck loading or overloading
- Falling debris
- Bad weather or poor visibility
Garbage truck operator negligence or a poorly maintained truck can lead to a devastating collision with a car, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. Sadly, the injuries sustained by garbage truck accident victims are often catastrophic or life-threatening.
Who Is Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident in San Antonio?
Garbage trucks are held to higher legal standards compared to other vehicles in Texas. As a type of heavy commercial vehicle, garbage trucks must be driven by properly trained and qualified truck drivers. In addition, the companies or agencies that own the trucks must adhere to rigorous rules and federal safety regulations for vehicle upkeep and maintenance.Â
The agency responsible for garbage trucks in San Antonio is the Solid Waste Management Department, which is governed by the city. If the city falls short of its responsibility to ensure safe garbage trucks and operators, it can be held responsible or liable for related accidents, injuries and deaths.
What to Do After a San Antonio Garbage Truck Accident
Collisions involving garbage trucks can cause serious injuries and significant damage. It is important to protect yourself after this type of crash by taking the necessary steps:Â
- Ensure your safety and seek medical attention without delay.Â
- Move to a safe location and call the police to report the crash.Â
- Once you’ve checked everyone for injuries, exchange information with the garbage truck driver.Â
- Do not admit fault for the truck accident.
- Document the scene by taking photos and writing down eyewitness information.
- Get the name of the waste collection company, the truck number and its license plate numbers.
- Report the accident to your car insurance provider.
- Gather important documents, such as your medical records and a copy of your police report.
- Report the accident to the city or the waste management company.
- Consult with an attorney before accepting an insurance settlement for your losses.
Injury claims following garbage truck accidents in San Antonio can be complex. You may need assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio during a case against the government. To discuss a specific garbage truck accident claim for free, contact Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers.