The streets of Houston are full of garbage trucks, also called ‘Dump Trucks’. They are an excellent resource for our community because they get rid of our trash. But, with so many large garbage trucks on the streets, they pose a risk to other motorists and to pedestrians.
Each year, around 100,000 motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are involved in accidents with commercial trucks. Garbage trucks have some of the highest incidence rates of serious injuries among commercial trucks.
The fatality rate in waste management was 29.8 per 100,000 workers in 2010. Although this is a reduction from only a few years prior, it is still one of the highest rates in any occupation. In fact, the US Department of Labor has classified garbage truck driver as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
One of the main tasks of a garbage truck accident lawyer is to determine if the cause of the accident was a human error, a mechanical failure or a combination of those two.
When a garbage truck accident occurs in Houston, it’s not always due to the actions of the driver. These vehicles are often equipped with an automated gripping arm that grabs trash bins, picks them up, and empties them. If the arm isn’t controlled well, it may fling debris or the bin itself, possibly hurting anyone struck by the thrown objects. Debris left on roads can also pose a risk for drivers and could cause a crash.
The main causes of garbage truck accidents are:
-Garbage truck companies continue to operate their trucks at night, even though there are strict rules that state that trucks cannot collect garbage between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
-The continuous stops of garbage trucks
-Human error, such as the negligence of the truck driver
-The narrow streets of Houston
To increase safety the Division of Occupational Safety & Health recommends:
-Always using reflective and protective gear when working on garbage trucks
-Standing to the side of the truck when compacting is occurring
-Using correct lockout or tag out procedures when entering compacting area.
-Equipment needs to be turned off completely to ensure that employees are not in danger of being crushed.
-Creating a pedestrian-free zone while trucks are operating.
-Truck operators should stop if other workers or pedestrians are not in view.
PMR Law attorneys have helped accident victims with garbage trucks.
Like all commercial vehicles, garbage trucks have the backing of companies with considerable legal and financial resources. In the legal corporate world, these companies can be ruthless. That’s why you need a team of personal injury lawyers on your side.
PMR Law attorneys have years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims with garbage trucks. We have a record of seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
We offer our consultation free of charge, and you pay nothing unless we get compensation in your favor.
Did you or a family member have an accident with a garbage truck? Did you suffer serious injuries that have generated expensive medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering? If you want justice in your accident case due to the negligence of a garbage truck driver, call our attorneys at 832-481-3427 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.