Garbage trucks are large vehicles often used to collect trash and recycling from homes and businesses. These trucks can pose a severe danger to motorists and other road users. A garbage truck driver’s negligence may cause a severe accident.
Some of these trucks have gripping arms for picking up and emptying trash cans. These arms are also a great danger to road users. When a garbage truck collides with a small car, the damage can be massive, and the injuries can be catastrophic. If you survive such a collision, you may still suffer expensive rehabilitation, extreme suffering, painful recovery, expensive continuing care, and even death.
Houston garbage truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will know how to deal with insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a garbage truck accident, contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888.
Damages Recoverable in A Garbage Truck Accident Claim
The compensation you can claim varies depending on the specifics of your accident. However, certain damages are commonly recoverable in garbage truck accident claims. These damages include special or economic damages, general or noneconomic damages, and punitive damages.
Special or Economic Damages
These claims cover the following:
- Property damage
- Lost wages, both current and future losses
- Rehabilitation costs.
General or Noneconomic Damages
These claims cover the following:
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium and companionship and quality of life
- Emotional, mental, and physical suffering and pain.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded if the accident was caused by negligence or recklessness. They can also be granted if the accident was intentional.
Why Choose Us?
We are not just another law firm in Houston. You must be aware of the many different factors to look for when choosing a Houston garbage truck accident attorney. There are many reasons to select Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, some of which include the following:
Experience
It is vital to have an experienced Houston garbage truck accident lawyer on your side who can provide you with the legal advice and representation necessary to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Terry Bryant has over three decades of experience as a personal injury lawyer. He works with a team of experienced litigators and professional support staff with the skills and knowledge to handle all injury cases.
Legal Knowledge
Legal knowledge refers to the ability to understand and apply the law. Concerning garbage truck accidents, you need a lawyer that understands all the legal issues regarding these accidents to help you get a favorable ruling and maximum compensation. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we pride ourselves on having the best legal minds.
Reputation
In our over 30 years of existence, we have built a strong reputation in Houston and the surrounding areas. We have a proven track record of success, and numerous organizations have recognized our attorneys for their outstanding work.
We Have Your Best Interests at Heart
We are not in this business for money. Our primary focus is to ensure individuals and families who, through the negligence of others, are harmed get compensated adequately. We also offer the best customer service.
How We Can Help
Whatever your case, our lawyers will fight for you from the beginning to the end. Our attorneys will:
- Meet you physically to discuss the accident and whether your case is valid.
- Investigate the cause of the accident and examine the accident scene, the employer training and hiring records, plus the hospital and police records.
- Interview first responders and witnesses
- Deal with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement
- Hire inspectors, crash reconstruction engineers, and doctors to testify in your case and determine the extent of injuries to any medical care you may need
- Build a water-tight case to ensure you win.
If you get involved in a garbage truck accident, call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law as soon as possible at (713) 973-8888, so we can start investigating the incident when witnesses can be found easily.
Note there are deadlines as to when such cases can be filed.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents are, unfortunately, prevalent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 4,500 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2018 alone. The leading causes of these accidents can be broken down into three categories, including:
Driver Negligence
A driver’s negligence can include the following:
- Speeding
- Not paying attention to the road
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Poor Maintenance
Garbage trucks must undergo regular maintenance to ensure that they are safe to operate, but many trucking companies do not adhere to this requirement. As a result, garbage trucks are often involved in accidents that can seriously injure or kill innocent people.
Overloading
Overloading a garbage truck is another cause of garbage truck accidents. Overloading is a case where the truck is loaded with more garbage than its capacity.
Poor loading
When the debris and garbage are not correctly loaded, they can fall and cause accidents. The trash can also fall off if the truck malfunctions.
How Much Can You Be Awarded?
The amount you can receive as compensation after a garbage truck accident depends on factors such as:
- The cost of expenses and losses
- The extent of your injuries, whether continuous care is necessary, or whether death was involved
- Loss of earning
- Your family situation, earning potential, and age
- Whether insurance coverage is available
- Whether the garbage truck is owned by a municipality or an individual contractor
- The evidence presented in court
- The individual judge if the case goes on trial
- The negotiation ability and skill of your lawyer.
Severe injuries, permanent disability, and death cases attract higher compensation. But in all cases, your attorney must determine where the liability lies.
Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law for Help
Getting involved in a garbage truck accident is traumatizing, and you may not know what to do next. But you need not worry. With Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law on your side, you can rest assured you will get the best compensation. We understand that no amount of payment can restore your life to the way it was before the accident. But the maximum compensation will at least guarantee that you will get back on your feet physically, financially, and emotionally.
If you or your loved one gets involved in a garbage truck accident, don’t delay. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
