Sanitation workers in Washington, D.C., have one of the most important and often underappreciated jobs: keeping the District clean and beautiful. However, D.C.’s garbage truck drivers can and do make mistakes on the road, leading to collisions that can cause substantial damage and life-altering injuries. The aftermath of a garbage truck crash can involve significant medical expenses, missed work, and emotional trauma.
If you have been injured in a garbage truck accident in D.C., the attorneys at Marks & Harrison can pursue compensation for you. Our dedicated team of skilled personal injury attorneys knows how to conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate a fair settlement, and take your claim to court if necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how our experienced Washington DC garbage truck accident lawyers can help you.
What Are the Causes of Washington, D.C., Garbage Truck Accidents?
Garbage truck accidents in D.C. can occur for various reasons, often stemming from the unique challenges these large vehicles face in urban environments. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue – Long shifts and early morning hours can lead to drowsy driving.
- Blind spots – The size and shape of garbage trucks create significant visibility issues.
- Improper training – Inadequate instruction on handling these specialized vehicles can increase the risk of poor maneuvering.
- Distracted driving – Operators may become distracted by route information or communication devices.
- Mechanical failures – Poor maintenance may cause malfunctions and a driver to lose vehicle control.
- Speeding – Pressure to complete routes quickly can lead to unsafe driving practices.
Determining fault is a key step in pursuing compensation. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the crash and gather evidence demonstrating why the garbage truck driver or another party is at fault for your injuries and that you deserve compensation.
Why Are Garbage Truck Accidents More Severe Than Other Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Garbage truck accidents often result in more serious injuries and property damage compared to typical car crashes. Factors contributing to this increased severity include:
- Size and weight – Garbage trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles, leading to greater impact force.
- Limited maneuverability – These trucks cannot swerve or stop as quickly as smaller vehicles.
- Higher center of gravity – Their top-heaviness makes garbage trucks more prone to rollover accidents.
- Protruding parts – Equipment like lifters and compactors can cause additional injuries or damage.
Given these factors, victims of garbage truck accidents often face more significant medical bills and longer recovery times.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Garbage Truck Accident in D.C.?
If you’re involved in a D.C. garbage truck accident, taking these steps can protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim:
- Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders for your physical recovery.
- Document the scene with photos and videos if it is safe.
- Collect contact information from eyewitnesses and the garbage truck driver.
- Report the collision to your insurance company, but don’t discuss fault.
- Avoid posting social media comments or updates about the accident or your injuries.
- Contact an experienced D.C. garbage truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
It is worth noting that strict time limits apply for filing truck accident claims involving government-owned vehicles. In D.C., you have just six months to file a notice of claim with the city’s Office of Risk Management (ORM). Upon receipt of your notice of claim, the ORM will generate a claim number and inform you. The agency’s investigation can take around 30 days, after which they will notify you of their decision. If your claim is accepted, the agency will proceed with the settlement process. If your claim is denied, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.
An experienced Washington, D.C., garbage truck accident attorney can help protect your right to pursue compensation by making sure you meet all applicable deadlines.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident in D.C.?
Since multiple individuals or entities may share fault in a garbage truck accident, determining liability is not always straightforward. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The garbage truck driver, if they acted negligently or recklessly
- The sanitation department, for inadequate training or poor maintenance practices
- The District of Columbia, as the employer of the driver and owner of the vehicle
- Third-party contractors, if the city outsourced waste management services
- Other motorists, if their actions contributed to the accident
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a defect caused or contributed to the crash
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your truck accident claim to determine who is at fault so we can seek accountability for your injuries. Contact our Washington DC garbage truck accident lawyer today.
What Types of Damages Could I Recover for My Accident?
If you have suffered injuries in a garbage truck accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. While your award will depend on the unique circumstances of the collision and your injuries, an attorney from Marks & Harrison can help you seek compensation for losses such as:
- Both current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Compensation for any work your injuries forced you to miss
- Reduced future earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
- The physical pain and emotional effects of the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from doing activities you once enjoyed
- Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications
- Property repair or replacement costs
Our experienced D.C. garbage truck accident attorneys will work diligently to seek fair compensation for all your crash-related losses.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer
It can feel overwhelming and lonely to live with injuries from a garbage truck accident. Victims often feel anxious about how their injuries will affect their medical, professional, and financial future. A dedicated D.C. garbage truck accident lawyer can help you put your worries to rest by seeking the compensation you deserve for your losses. Our Washington DC truck accident attorney is here to assist.
The skilled legal professionals at Marks & Harrison are passionate about helping accident victims get their lives back on track. Our firm has provided legal representation for D.C. injury victims since 1911. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Washington, D.C., garbage truck accident attorney. Let us put our extensive experience to work for you.
