A report, researched and written by Right of Way, an organization that promotes pedestrian rights, was based on figures from the Police Department’s crash records, from 1994 to 1997. It showed that on average, garbage trucks killed 24 pedestrians, cyclists or “people not in automobiles” per 100 million miles driven, far more than any other vehicle on the road. The report said that garbage haulers killed eight people a year.

Since large garbage trucks roam the residential streets weekly, they pose a huge risk in residential areas because they are more likely to encounter pedestrians and cyclists. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a garbage truck in the neighborhood, speak with an attorney at the Scarlett Law Group to learn more about your options.

• Blind spots & lack of backup cameras: Large trucks have many blind spots in the front, rear, and to the right. The lack of backup cameras can also add to the dangers because a driver cannot see if a person is behind the truck while reversing.
• Driver fatigue or distraction: When a driver is fatigued or distracted, they often fail to see children playing nearby, pedestrians or cyclists that may be riding alongside their vehicle.
• Falling debris: Garbage trucks often carry heavy objects that are not secured to the truck. When heavy debris falls out, this can cause injuries to those nearby.
• Defective parts of poor maintenance: Garbage trucks must perform routine maintenance and repairs on their tires, brakes, and other parts. Failure to do so can make the vehicle difficult to operate safely.

Determining liability in a garbage truck accident can vary depending on which party or parties are found to be negligent.

Liability can fall on:

• The driver
• Waste management company
• Government entity
• Truck manufacturer
• Truck maintenance

If more than one party is responsible for your accident, you may be able to pursue claims against multiple parties. Talk to an attorney for more information on investigating liability, your rights, and how to pursue a claim.