Dangers of Garbage Trucks

Garbage trucks are heavy, often filled with tons of garbage. While these trucks and drivers play a huge role in our everyday lives, they need to be treated with caution. These vehicles are known to make frequent stops but they cannot always stop in time to avoid hazards.

Many people have been injured or killed by garbage trucks. A Texas high school student was killed by a garbage truck one morning in February when she allegedly jumped in front of the truck and was run over.

The incident happened in an apartment complex. The 15-year-old girl, from San Antonio, was running through the parking lot, according to witnesses. It appeared as though she was getting into her boyfriend’s car but her father caught her and was trying to run away from him. That was when she jumped in front of the garbage truck, which was doing trash pickup in a residential route.

The truck driver fled the scene, without stopping to assist. The girl died at the accident scene. She attended John Marshall High School.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage trucks can also pose significant risks on the road. These vehicles are large, heavy, and frequently stop, back up, and maneuver through residential neighborhoods. When accidents occur, they can result in serious injuries to motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, sanitation workers, and property owners.

Common causes of garbage truck accidents include:

• Frequent stops and sudden movements. Garbage trucks make numerous stops along their routes, often every few houses. This stop-and-go operation can catch other drivers off guard, especially if they are following too closely or driving distracted.
• Driver fatigue. Sanitation workers often begin their shifts early in the morning and may spend long hours operating heavy vehicles. Fatigue can impair reaction times, judgment, and concentration, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Blind spots. Garbage trucks have substantial blind spots due to their size and design. Blind spot-related accidents frequently occur during turns, lane changes, and backing maneuvers. Drivers may have difficulty seeing:
  • Vehicles traveling beside the truck.
  • Pedestrians crossing nearby.
  • Cyclists riding alongside the vehicle.
  • Children playing in residential areas.
• Backing accidents. Garbage trucks often need to reverse into alleys, cul-de-sacs, and narrow streets. Backing up significantly increases the risk of collisions because visibility is limited. Pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and even sanitation workers can be injured if they are not visible to the driver while the truck is in reverse.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Garbage trucks are large and dangerous. They make sudden and frequent stops, and getting hit by one can result in catastrophic injuries and even death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in such a crash, seek legal help from a Houston garbage truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We understand the complexities involved in these crashes and will help you achieve a favorable outcome. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247 to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

news4sanantonio.com/news/local/15-year-old-girl-killed-in-hit-and-run-on-northwest-side-san-antonio-texas-investigtation-evidence-police-suspect