Waste collection and removal is an essential industry. The trucks that pick up and dispose of garbage around Omaha and the surrounding areas keep the city clean. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can also create hazards for other people on the road.
If you were in a wreck with a vehicle transporting waste, you should speak with an Omaha garbage truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The Omaha Truck Accident Lawyer at Berry Law can fight for your right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
Common Types of Garbage Truck Accidents in Omaha
Many waste truck collisions occur in neighborhoods. These incidents are typically minor because the vehicles in residential areas travel at low speeds. However, a severe accident could occur if a garbage truck driver fails to check his or her mirrors when pulling away from a house or driving around a parked car.
On the main roads, waste trucks can cause accidents in the same way other tractor-trailers can. A distracted driver may run a stop sign and T-bone another driver. Alternatively, the operator might fail to maintain a safe distance from the person in front of him or her, resulting in a rear-end collision.
Garbage truck drivers must earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) before operating such a vehicle, meaning they have professional training and should drive with caution. Negligent acts such as failing to check blind spots or using a phone while driving can lead to a personal injury case. If you believe you have a valid claim, do not hesitate to speak with a local attorney familiar with garbage truck accidents.
Potential Injuries After an Accident with a Waste Vehicle
Because many waste truck accidents occur at low speeds, most injuries are not life-threatening. However, certain conditions may still require professional medical care and result in large hospital bills. An individual could suffer a variety of injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
Accidents at high-speed or on major roadways may lead to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, brain trauma, or even paralysis. Fatalities are not very common with waste truck accidents. However, the workers who hold on to the truck’s side can suffer fatal injuries if thrown from the vehicle in an accident. In cases such as these, the employee would likely pursue a claim through the employer’s worker’s compensation insurance.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it would be best if you spoke with an experienced lawyer about your waste truck accident. An attorney can help you determine how much compensation you could receive in a legal claim.
How Does Liability Change if a Government Municipality Collects the Garbage?
Some cities have municipal garbage services, meaning the government is responsible for collecting waste. If a municipal waste truck causes your collision, you should talk to a lawyer about filing an administrative claim against the government. You must file that claim before you can proceed with a lawsuit. However, if a private garbage company caused the crash, you can file a case right away.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Contact an Omaha Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Today
Whether you were in your neighborhood or on a major roadway, a collision with a garbage truck can be overwhelming. Additionally, the process of filing a lawsuit may vary depending on who owns the vehicle that hit you.
Our trial lawyers have experience with these types of cases and can guide you through the legal process. Call an Omaha garbage truck accident lawyer at Berry Law right away to schedule a free consultation.
