When people think of commercial trucks, they typically think of the tractor-trailers that rush down the highways and deliver cargo to different retail outlets. There are many different types of commercial trucks, though, and they are used for many different purposes. Garbage trucks are just one type of commercial truck.
Like semi-trucks, flatbed trucks, and other types of commercial vehicles, garbage trucks are very large, and they pose a great risk to other motorists on the road. Unlike many other types of commercial trucks, though, an accident claim involving a garbage truck does pose some challenges. A Fort Lauderdale garbage truck accident lawyer can advise on what these are and help you overcome them.
Our Fort Lauderdale Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Knows the Risks These Trucks Impose
You may think nothing of it when you see a garbage truck moving down your street collecting the trash. However, these huge trucks pose a danger as they move through residential areas. It is not easy to navigate a vehicle as large as a garbage truck down narrow neighborhood streets, particularly when multiple vehicles are parked on the side of the road or are also moving along the street. Operators of garbage trucks are required to take extra precautions to avoid becoming involved in an accident that results in injury.
Unfortunately, many garbage truck operators do not exercise the necessary caution, and an accident ensues. The most common causes of these crashes include:
- A truck driver fails to notice oncoming traffic and pulls out into the street
- A truck driver fails to ensure the route they are traveling on is free of pedestrians and children
- A truck driver puts the vehicle into reverse without first checking to ensure no one is behind them
- A truck driver operates the vehicle while distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued
- A truck driver fails to turn or yield properly
- The trucking company improperly maintains or inspects their trucks
- An arm of a garbage truck may lower while the vehicle is in motion, crashing into nearby vehicles
Poor Maintenance Often Causes Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks take a beating. Between the stop-and-go routes, heavy loads, and early-morning shifts, parts wear out faster than they would on a typical vehicle. When companies do not keep up with inspections or skip needed repairs, it creates risks for everyone on the road. Here are two of the most common maintenance failures we see in these cases.
Brake and Hydraulic Arm Failures
When brakes are worn down or go unchecked, the driver may not be able to stop in time, especially on narrow streets. Add in the hydraulic arms used to lift and dump bins, and a small malfunction can turn into a major hazard. These systems require regular inspections and service per Florida Statutes § 316.302, but in many cases, those steps are missed or rushed.
Leaks, Lighting Malfunctions, and Tire Blowouts
Early routes often start before sunrise, which makes working lights and clear signals even more important. A broken headlight or missing taillight makes it harder for other drivers to react. We have also seen cases where fluid leaks or overloaded tires lead to unexpected blowouts, putting nearby vehicles and pedestrians in danger with no warning at all.
Safety Improvements That Could Prevent Garbage Truck Accidents
There are a lot of simple upgrades that can make garbage trucks safer to drive and easier to spot. Some of these tools are already out there, but many cities take too long to put them in place. Here are a few safety features that could help prevent the kinds of accidents we see far too often:
- Rear-view and side-view camera systems
- Automatic braking technology
- Left-side pickup redesigns
- Enhanced driver training protocols
- Reflective striping and early-morning visibility gear
- Proximity sensors for reversing
- Route optimization to reduce narrow turns
- Onboard black box and driver monitoring systems
These improvements are not just helpful, they work. When companies or city agencies skip over them, it can point to a bigger issue with how safety decisions are made. Our firm looks closely at what should have been done to keep people safe and whether any of those strategies were ignored.
Who May Be Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Garbage Truck Crash
The driver or the city might be the first names that come to mind after a garbage truck crash, but they are not always the only ones involved. Sometimes, third parties behind the scenes play a bigger role than people realize. Maintenance companies, route contractors, or manufacturers may also be responsible, depending on what went wrong.
Third-Party Maintenance Providers or Contractors
Many cities and companies outsource their fleet maintenance to private contractors. If those teams skip inspections, rush repairs, or put an unqualified mechanic on the job, things can get missed. We look into service logs, hiring practices, and other documentation to see whether poor maintenance played a part in what happened to you.
Vehicle Manufacturers and Equipment Suppliers
Sometimes the problem starts with the equipment itself. Defective brakes, hydraulic arms, or backup cameras can cause serious harm when they fail. Florida’s product liability laws make it possible to hold manufacturers accountable if a faulty part caused or worsened the crash. We know what to look for and how to track these issues back to their source.
Our Fort Lauderdale Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help with the Challenges These Claims Present
Many people who collect garbage and recycling in Fort Lauderdale work for the city, and the vehicles are also often owned by the city. When this is the case, you can still file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries, but doing so is not easy. You will face shorter deadlines and may have to take additional steps when filing your claim. Any time you have been injured, it is important to speak to a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer who can advise on your claim.
What to Do After a Fort Lauderdale Garbage Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a garbage truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, our personal injury attorneys in Fort Lauderdale always stress the importance of being checked out by a doctor. Garbage truck accidents can cause serious injuries, even at low speeds.
Once you have been checked out by a doctor, you should contact a Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the things that a garbage truck accident lawyer can do for you:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Identify all responsible parties
- File a claim on your behalf
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Call Our Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale for the Best Chance of Success
At Rosen Injury Law, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale garbage truck accident lawyer knows that any type of commercial vehicle can cause serious injuries and is dedicated to helping accident victims claim the compensation they deserve. If you have been hurt, call us today at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.