Dump trucks and garbage trucks are so common on the road, we often do not think twice about their presence. However, they will become much more noticeable after you the victim of an accident involving a dump truck or garbage truck. Due to the weight and size of these vehicles, especially when hauling a full load, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries.
California statutes regulate the maximum weight permitted for dump and garbage trucks. Even so, these trucks weigh considerably more than a standard car or SUV. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy estimates standard dump and garbage trucks, when empty, can weigh 10 times more than a car. It is estimated that a fully loaded truck would weigh as much 18,500 pounds more than a standard vehicle. Accidents with large trucks can cause extensive injuries and damages.
Unfortunately, large truck accidents are more common than one would like to believe. When you are the victim of a dump truck accident, the advice of an experienced truck accident attorney can help tremendously.
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Types of Injuries Victims of Accidents Suffer
Victims of truck accidents can suffer whiplash, broken bones, or more serious injuries when they are involved in a rear-end collision with another car. However, the sheer weight of a fully loaded dump or garbage truck makes collisions even more dangerous. You may suffer far more significant injuries, including crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or loss of a limb.
When the truck is fully loaded, drivers may be more likely to lose control of the vehicle. There is an increased risk of rollover because the driver is unable to rebalance the vehicle after attempting to avoid a collision. Nearby drivers are at risk of injury, even if they are not directly involved in the accident. If a rollover occurs as a result of an accident, other drivers and passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists could also be in danger.
Liability in a Dump or Garbage Truck Accident
Several complications could change who is liable for a dump or garbage truck accident. The driver may have been distracted, the truck could have a defect, necessary safety equipment could malfunction. Depending on the cause of the truck accidents various parties may be held accountable. Dump and garbage truck accidents require a team of experts who will carefully investigate the accident. Together with your attorney, they will identify who is at fault and who is liable for your injuries.
Financial Awards After Dump or Garbage Truck Accidents
Because each case is unique, an attorney cannot precisely estimate how much a specific victim should expect to recover. However, a lawyer with a proven track record of success in obtaining settlements for their clients is always a plus. If you are seeking to recover financially after an accident, research each firm and note their recent successes. In most cases, victims can expect to recover the following types of compensation:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses – Medical expenses may include hospitalization costs, prescription medications for pain and infections, rehabilitation costs, and diagnostic testing.
- Property damage – Victims of dump and garbage truck accidents will likely require extensive repairs to their car. In some cases, vehicles involved in the accident will be totaled. Commercial operators are required to have higher limits on insurance to cover the costs of extensive damage.
- Lost wages – Victims of garbage and dump truck accidents may be out of work for weeks, or months depending on the severity of their injuries. You may be able to recover your lost wages from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Victims can also claim additional losses, which they should discuss with a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney will ensure that your claim includes the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Time Is of the Essence
Victims are often reluctant to contact an attorney after an accident involving a dump truck or garbage truck. However, every state has statutes of limitations that state how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In California, the time period is two years from the date of the accident. Within the two years following the accident, responsible parties’ insurance companies will attempt to get victims to settle their claims. Insurance company adjusters aim to settle claims as quickly as possible. The sooner the claim is settled, the less likely they are to have to pay the full value of a claim.
Victims have rights but without working with an attorney, most people do not know what those rights are. Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, speak with an experienced attorney, and get their advice. Remember, once you have hired an attorney, they can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Attorneys who have experience negotiating settlements will typically get better results than victims negotiating for themselves. An experienced truck accident attorney will anticipate the tactics insurers use to minimize the amount of damages paid to victims.
Fees to Attorneys for Dump and Garbage Truck Accident Cases
Victims are typically focused on their physical recovery after sustaining injuries in an accident. Some victims may be unable to return to work and concerned about the costs associated with hiring a lawyer. However, dump and garbage truck accident attorneys will generally review your case at no charge. Don’t wait to contact an attorney for a free consultation. After all, you don’t have anything to lose.
Dump and garbage truck accidents can have a devastating impact on your physical and mental well-being. Victims should not bear the brunt of the financial impact accidents have on your family when someone else caused your injuries. Instead, get your questions answered by an experienced dump and garbage truck accident attorney. Make sure you find an attorney who is willing to negotiate with an insurance company. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, you need an attorney who is also willing to advocate on your behalf in court.
