Chattanooga Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys

What Damages Can I Recover for Garbage Truck Accident Injuries?

Garbage truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries. A lawsuit is meant to help you recover compensation for the tangible and intangible consequences of these injuries and other losses related to the accident. Recoverable economic damages for lawsuits involving private defendants are not typically capped, but damages are usually capped in cases involving the government. Regardless, we will always seek to secure the maximum available compensation.

Our Chattanooga garbage truck accident lawyers will work to get you full and fair compensation for all losses, including:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
• Ongoing or permanent disability
• Loss of consortium
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of income and earning capacity
• Property damage

Garbage Trucks Are Treated Differently

Whenever you get behind the wheel of your car, you are expected to follow all traffic laws. That means you must drive on the right side of the road and stay out of bike lanes whenever possible, among many other rules.

Garbage trucks are not always subject to the same traffic laws when drivers are actively engaged in the collection of trash. For example, when garbage trucks are “on the job” and attempting to collect waste, they can generally travel and stop in bike lanes, travel down the “incorrect” side of the road, and even traverse a one-way road in the “wrong” direction. They can also stop just about anywhere, even in places where other vehicles cannot park or idle. 

In other words, a garbage truck driver is not automatically liable for an accident if they appear to be breaking a traffic rule at the time of the collision. If they were actively engaging in the collection of trash when the crash occurred, they may not necessarily have violated the legal duty of care owed to others on the road. This can make building a strong case more challenging if you do not have a lawyer who is familiar with how to effectively navigate cases involving garbage trucks. Our Chattanooga garbage truck accident attorneys have a complete understanding of the laws that apply to these commercial vehicles and when their actions constitute negligence. 

Common Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents

A garbage truck's substantial weight and force make the injuries sustained in these accidents particularly serious. Victims involved in garbage truck accidents often face severe and life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The impact of a collision with a garbage truck can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which could result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities.
• Spinal cord injuries: A severe crash can result in spinal cord damage, potentially leading to partial or full paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures: The substantial force in these accidents often causes broken bones, which can require multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
• Internal injuries: Collisions with a heavy vehicle can lead to internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
• Amputations: In severe cases, victims may suffer traumatic amputations due to the crushing force of a garbage truck accident.
• Burns and lacerations: If a garbage truck accident involves flammable materials or causes a fire, victims may suffer burns or deep lacerations that leave lasting scars.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, which places a tremendous financial burden on victims and their families. Compensation from an accident claim can help cover the costs of medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Whether your garbage truck accident took place in your neighborhood or the I-75, we have what it takes to successfully represent you. Contact us online or call (423) 454-3288 to discuss your case with one of our garbage accident attorneys in Chattanooga today.

What is a Garbage Truck Accident?

A garbage truck accident refers to any incident involving a vehicle specifically designed for collecting and transporting waste materials. These accidents can vary in severity and may result in injuries, property damage, or environmental hazards.

Common types of garbage truck accidents include:

• Collisions: These occur when a garbage truck collides with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. They might happen at intersections, during lane changes, or due to distracted driving.
• Rollovers: Garbage trucks, especially those with a high center of gravity due to the load they carry, can tip over while navigating turns or when improperly loaded.
• Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents: Due to blind spots or poor visibility, pedestrians or cyclists might be at risk when a garbage truck is maneuvering, especially during backing up or turning.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes, steering issues, or other mechanical problems can lead to accidents involving garbage trucks.
• Falling Debris: Improperly secured or overloaded garbage can fall off the truck during transportation, potentially causing accidents or hazards for other vehicles.
• Worker Injuries: Garbage truck accidents can also involve injuries to waste management workers while they are collecting or handling trash.
• Environmental Hazards: Spills or leaks from damaged garbage trucks can lead to environmental contamination, especially if the waste contains hazardous materials.