Sanitation workers are vital to our communities, ensuring waste is regularly removed from homes and businesses. Garbage trucks typically perform this task safely and efficiently. However, as with other large vehicles, garbage trucks in Nevada may pose a risk of serious injury to workers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, and drivers when collisions occur. If a crash involving a sanitation truck leads to traumatic injuries, an experienced Las Vegas garbage truck accident attorney can assist the injured party in securing compensation.
Some of the recent catastrophic collisions involving sanitation trucks in the Las Vegas area include:
Crashes involving large trucks result in a higher number of fatalities and injuries compared to collisions with other types of vehicles:
There are various factors that contribute to the likelihood of garbage truck collisions. Some common reasons include:
Garbage truck operators and companies also have a responsibility to conduct daily vehicle inspections and provide continuous training for drivers. Additional factors that may cause or contribute to sanitation truck accidents include:
Studies have indicated that private waste collection companies tend to have poorer safety records compared to those managed by government agencies. This may be attributed to drivers from private companies being overworked to meet unrealistic deadlines.
The most effective way to avoid a sanitation truck crash is by following safe driving practices similar to those used to prevent any type of motor vehicle accident. Defensive driving is key, along with these specific actions:
Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers valuable resources on preventing injuries and fatalities related to crashes involving sanitation vehicles.
Dump trucks fall into a unique category of large vehicles due to specific safety concerns and since they may be either owned by a private company or a public entity, such as state agencies, counties, and cities. These factors may affect the complexity of seeking compensation in a personal injury case for a Las Vegas garbage truck accident. When a dump truck is owned by a government agency, the process for seeking damages is typically different from that of a private company.
Depending on the truck's owner, liability may be shared between the driver and the owner, or one party could be solely responsible. Additionally, the insurance coverage for the dump truck can vary based on ownership, which might affect the amount of compensation available for a claim. While the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Nevada is typically two years from the date of loss, the timeframe is shorter for claims against public agencies. The deadline for a notice of claim against a government entity for an accident, such as a garbage truck crash, is 180 days.
Given the potential dangers associated with garbage trucks, drivers and operators must complete extensive safety training. Nonetheless, if the operator fails to follow safety protocols, both the driver and the company may be held liable for any resulting damages. Additionally, the truck might be defective due to insufficient maintenance, manufacturing issues, or design flaws. In cases of design defects, the truck manufacturer may be held responsible in a product liability claim, whereas poor maintenance might shift liability to the operating company.
After a garbage truck accident in Las Vegas, it is important for an injured party to determine the exact cause of the incident to seek appropriate compensation. There are numerous ways you may suffer injuries in a sanitation truck collision. If you find yourself affected by such an incident, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Nevada is essential to protect your rights and explore your options for obtaining compensation for your losses. At our law firm, we offer free case reviews. Give us a call or fill out an online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.
Collisions with large vehicles, whether you are riding a bicycle, walking, or in a car, are likely to result in traumatic injuries. It is important to protect your rights if you are injured by a dump truck or any other large vehicle, as these situations can be quite complex due to the rules and regulations involved. After a dump truck crash, you need a skilled Las Vegas garbage truck accident attorney on your side. Call us for a free consultation at (702) 600-3200. We proudly serve clients in Clark County and throughout Nevada.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, Southwest Injury Law is the best personal injury law firm in Nevada and Arizona. Get off the phone with insurance adjusters and focus on healing. Leave the legal work to Southwest Injury Law, your trusted Personal Injury Lawyers In Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas.