Garbage trucks operate in residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and high-traffic zones, often during early morning hours when visibility and awareness may be reduced.
When accidents involving garbage trucks occur, the consequences can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and significant financial burdens.
Our garbage truck accident lawyer in Aurora can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have over 75 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for our clients.
Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how our Aurora truck accident lawyers can assist you.
Unique Risks of Garbage Trucks on Aurora’s Roads
Garbage trucks are unlike other vehicles on the road due to their size, weight, and specific operating patterns. These vehicles frequently stop, reverse, and make sudden movements, which can increase the risk of collisions.
Our Aurora personal injury lawyers can determine the cause and contributing factors in your collision to build your claim.
Frequent Stops and Sudden Movements
Garbage trucks make frequent stops to collect waste, often in areas with narrow streets or heavy traffic. Drivers following too closely or unaware of the truck’s schedule can easily collide with the vehicle. Sudden starts and stops also make it harder for other drivers to predict the truck’s movements.
Limited Visibility
Garbage trucks have large blind spots, especially on their sides and rear. Drivers of smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians may be difficult to see, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Narrow Streets and Tight Turns
In residential neighborhoods, garbage trucks often operate on narrow streets, where space is limited. Making tight turns or backing up in these areas can create dangerous conditions for other road users.
Heavy Weight and Large Size
The sheer size and weight of a garbage truck mean that collisions often result in severe damage and injuries. These vehicles are much heavier than passenger cars, and the force of impact in an accident can be substantial.
Our Aurora Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers Can Prove Negligence
Garbage truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of human error, environmental factors, and mechanical issues. Our Aurora garbage truck accident attorneys can determine how another party’s negligence played a role in your injuries.
Driver Fatigue
Garbage truck drivers often work long hours, starting early in the morning and covering large routes. Fatigue can impair their reaction times and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distractions, such as using a phone or interacting with equipment inside the truck, can divert the driver’s attention from the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to a serious collision.
Improper Training
Operating a garbage truck requires specific skills and training. Drivers who are not adequately trained may struggle to handle the vehicle safely, especially in high-traffic areas or tight spaces.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Garbage trucks operating in a hurry to complete their routes may speed or engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as failing to yield or running traffic signals. These actions can increase the likelihood of accidents.
Poor Maintenance
Garbage trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Worn brakes, malfunctioning lights, or other mechanical issues can contribute to accidents, especially in situations requiring sudden stops or quick maneuvers.
Determining Liability in a Garbage Truck Accident
One of the most important steps in pursuing compensation after a garbage truck accident is determining who is responsible. Liability can depend on a variety of factors, and these cases often involve multiple parties.
The Garbage Truck Driver
If the driver’s actions caused the accident, they may be held liable. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or operating the truck while fatigued.
The Waste Management Company
Employers have a responsibility to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, and maintain their vehicles. If the company failed in these duties, it could be held accountable for the accident.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior may contribute to the collision. For instance, a driver who cuts off a garbage truck or stops suddenly in front of it could share liability.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties. By uncovering the root cause of the accident, we can help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Filing a Claim After a Garbage Truck Accident
Filing a claim after a garbage truck accident involves gathering evidence, calculating your damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. Our attorneys are here to handle every aspect of the process, including:
- Investigating the accident: We collect evidence such as accident reports, photos of the scene, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Calculating damages: We work to determine the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We handle all communication to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
- Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Why Work with Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.?
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand the devastating impact a garbage truck accident can have on your life. With over 75 years of combined experience and more than $100 million recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to pursue justice and financial recovery.
Our Aurora garbage truck collision lawyers take a personalized approach to every case, focusing on your unique situation and needs. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every detail so you can focus on your recovery.
Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. You only owe us a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call Us After a Garbage Truck Accident Collision
If you’ve been injured in a garbage truck accident in Aurora, you don’t have to face the road to recovery alone. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist.
