Garbage Truck Accidents Caused by Falling Debris

When it comes to garbage trucks, it’s all about safety. Yes, these vehicles have a big job to do, collecting your garbage every week. But garbage trucks are huge and can cause serious accidents that can cause injuries and fatalities.

Even when they don’t collide with your vehicle, they can still cause accidents. This can happen due to falling debris. Debris and cargo can fly off the back of garbage trucks and create unexpected roadway hazards. Items may crash through your windshield, fall directly in front of you with no time to avoid striking them, or crush your vehicle. Debris from unsecured loads on trucks has played a role in thousands of injuries and deaths.

Common Types of Falling Debris from Garbage Trucks

 Watch for the following types of debris to fall off garbage trucks:

• Loose trash. Items like plastic bags, paper, food containers, and cans can blow out of uncovered or overloaded trucks. These items may not cause direct injury but can impair visibility or distract drivers, leading to accidents.
• Large household items. Furniture, mattresses, appliances, or broken electronics placed curbside can fall off if not properly secured during pickup. These bulky objects can damage vehicles or cause severe injury in a crash.
• Construction and yard waste. Wood scraps, bricks, concrete, tree branches, and scrap metal are often part of special pickups. Heavier debris like this can smash windshields or create hazards for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
• Organic waste and liquids. Leaking garbage bags with food waste, grease, or liquids can spill onto the road, causing slick conditions. This is especially dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles, which are more prone to slipping.
• Loose cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans can be lifted by wind or spill over during pickup or transit. These can obstruct views or startle drivers, causing overcorrections or swerving.

Injuries from Falling Debris

 Falling debris from garbage trucks can cause the following:

• Cuts and lacerations. Broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations, some requiring stitches or surgery.
• Broken bones. Objects falling from a truck can cause fractures, especially in high-impact collisions.
• Internal injuries. Organ damage or internal bleeding can result from blunt force trauma, especially from heavy falling objects.
• Head and neck injuries. Impacts to the head or neck can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
• Crushing injuries. Heavy objects can cause severe crushing injuries, potentially requiring amputation in extreme cases.
• If a garbage truck accident involves fire or explosion, burns can range from minor to severe, requiring extensive treatment.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Garbage trucks are large vehicles that can cause a variety of accidents. Even their debris can result in injury accidents.

A Houston garbage truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you understand your legal options if you or a loved one was a victim of such an incident. Schedule a consultation today by calling (281) 347-3247 or filling out the online form.

Source:

calicarting.com/blog/blog/summer-safety-watch-garbage-trucks/