Garbage truck accidents in Walterboro are more common than you might think. You could have been driving to work when a garbage truck turned into you, or perhaps you were a pedestrian crossing the street when a truck failed to stop. No matter the severity of the injury, these types of accidents can have long-term implications.
Whetstone Perkins & Fulda is a firm local to Walterboro that handles personal injury cases involving large commercial vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, you may be eligible to receive damages. Our seasoned truck accident attorneys may be able to help.
The Unique Dangers of Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks are particularly hazardous on the road because they have large blind spots and poor maneuverability. They make frequent stops in urban and residential areas, and they often operate in early morning hours when visibility may be low. For example, a resident backing out of their driveway may not anticipate a garbage truck swinging wide around a narrow corner, hitting them.
Additionally, garbage truck accidents in Walterboro may be linked to driver fatigue, inexperience, or inattention. Drivers may back up improperly or fail to check their blind spots before making merges or turns. Poor vehicle maintenance by private waste companies or municipalities can cause serious problems, as can overloaded or unsecured trash containers falling onto the ground. In these cases, it pays to have an experienced attorney available.
Types of Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents
The large size and weight of garbage trucks can cause severe injuries. These injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Skin lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries can lead to long-term effects, such as chronic pain, rehabilitation, or permanent disability. In pedestrian or bicyclist accidents, there is also an increased risk of fatal injuries.
Negligence often comes into play in garbage truck accident cases in Walterboro. A truck driver, maintenance company, trucking company, or municipality may be deemed responsible for the harm by breaching a standard of care. An entity could breach the standard of care by failing to maintain vehicle brakes, failing to check mirrors, or driving while distracted or intoxicated. The at-fault party could be the garbage truck driver, private waste management company, city, or a third-party maintenance contractor.
Recoverable Damages Garbage Truck Claims
Individuals injured by garbage trucks in Walterboro may be eligible to pursue compensation for their damages. These damages may include the cost of medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving a fatality, a loved one may seek wrongful death damages.
Contact a Walterboro Attorney about Your Claim After an Accident With A Garbage Truck
Whetstone Perkins & Fulda has deep roots in South Carolina and is dedicated to helping injured individuals in Walterboro. Truck accident litigation involves complex liability issues, especially when multiple parties may bear responsibility for damages. A truck accident attorney could help navigate these challenges.
Are you ready to pursue the compensation you deserve after a serious injury? We fight for those injured in garbage truck accidents in Walterboro and beyond.
Garbage truck accidents should always be taken seriously, and victims have legal options. Call today for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney who understands what you are up against.
