San Antonio Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer
Experienced legal help when you’re injured in an accident with a garbage truck in Texas
Garbage trucks are an essential part of keeping San Antonio clean, but they can also be dangerous on the road. These large and heavy vehicles have blind spots, slow stopping times, and frequent stops, making them unpredictable to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. When accidents do happen, they can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a garbage truck, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we understand how overwhelming a garbage truck accident can be. We are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the common causes of San Antonio garbage truck accidents?
- Why are garbage truck accidents so dangerous?
- Who is liable in a San Antonio garbage truck accident?
- What should I do after a San Antonio garbage truck accident?
- What is the value of my San Antonio garbage truck accident claim?
- Motorcycle accidents involving garbage trucks
- How can your San Antonio garbage truck lawyer help with my case?
- Do you have a San Antonio garbage truck lawyer near me?
What are the common causes of San Antonio garbage truck accidents?
Garbage truck accidents in San Antonio can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of these crashes include:
- Speeding, distracted driving, or failing to check blind spots can contribute to serious accidents.
- Garbage trucks require regular maintenance. If brakes, lights, or other important parts of the truck fail, it can lead to a dangerous collision.
- Overloaded or improperly secured trash can shift and cause rollovers or debris to fall onto the road.
- Some garbage truck drivers may operate their vehicles aggressively, trying to complete their routes quickly.
- Rain, fog, or even icy roads can make it more difficult for garbage trucks to stop or maneuver safely.
If you have been in a garbage truck accident, experienced lawyer Pat Maloney can help investigate the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Why are garbage truck accidents so dangerous?
Because garbage trucks are much heavier and larger than passenger cars, collisions with them can be particularly dangerous. Here are some reasons why garbage truck accidents can be so serious:
- Garbage trucks have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- These trucks frequently stop to pick up trash, which can cause sudden and unexpected hazards.
- A fully loaded garbage truck can weigh up to 60,000 pounds, making accidents far more dangerous than those involving smaller vehicles.
- Garbage trucks often need to reverse into tight spaces, increasing the risk of colliding with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Sanitation workers have long shifts, often starting early in the morning, which can lead to driver fatigue and reduced reaction times.
This is why accidents involving garbage trucks can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities.
Who is liable in a San Antonio garbage truck accident?
It can be complicated to determine liability in a garbage truck accident. Several parties could be responsible for your injuries, including the following:
- If the garbage truck driver was negligent – speeding, distracted, or under the influence – they can be held liable.
- If the garbage truck company failed to properly train its drivers or maintain the vehicle safely, they could be held responsible.
- If a city-owned garbage truck caused the accident, you may have a claim against the San Antonio government.
- If a truck malfunctions due to improper maintenance by a third party, they could be held liable.
- In some cases, another reckless driver may be partially responsible for the accident.
Our experienced San Antonio garbage truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who is at fault and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What should I do after a San Antonio garbage truck accident?
If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a garbage truck, you should take the following steps to protect your health and your rights:
- Seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority. Remember, even if you feel fine at the moment, injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police. The police report can be vital in proving fault and documenting the accident.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Do not sign anything. Insurance companies may try to get you to accept a quick settlement that’s far less than you deserve. Talk to our lawyers before signing any documents.
Then, contact the San Antonio garbage truck accident lawyer at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney. We can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
What is the value of my San Antonio garbage truck accident claim?
If you were injured in a garbage truck accident in San Antonio, you may be entitled to a variety of compensation, including:
- Your medical expenses, like hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Compensation for the time missed at work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering, which includes damages for your physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle or other damaged property.
If you lost a loved one in a garbage truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Our San Antonio truck accident attorney can explain more.
Motorcycle accidents involving garbage trucks
It’s important to note that motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents involving garbage trucks. Because of the size difference and limited visibility, a motorcycle garbage truck accident can result in catastrophic injuries. Riders may be thrown from their bikes, crushed under the truck, or suffer severe road rash, head injuries, or broken bones.
If you’re a motorcyclist who’s been hit by a garbage truck, you need an aggressive lawyer who understands the unique risks motorcyclists face and can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
How can your San Antonio garbage truck lawyers help with my case?
The logistics of a garbage truck accident claim can be complicated, especially when you’re dealing with government agencies, private companies, and insurance adjusters. That’s where we come in. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we will:
- Investigate your case by gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports, and determining who is at fault for your accident.
- Deal with the insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation, and if necessary, we will take your case to court.
Our experienced attorney will also guide you through the legal process – from filing a claim to going to trial; we are with you every step of the way.
Do you have a San Antonio garbage truck lawyer near me?
Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference or an in-hospital visit.
Talk to our San Antonio garbage truck accident attorney today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we are dedicated to fighting for injury victims in San Antonio and throughout Texas. Fill out our contact form or call our San Antonio offices to request a free initial consultation with a skilled attorney today.