Average Settlement of a Garbage Truck Accident

Garbage trucks or trash trucks are a part of our everyday lives. Because of this, most of us are generally complacent and don’t pay too much to them. However, if you think about it, a garbage truck is a large, heavy, dangerous piece of machinery. Any accident involving a garbage truck is considered a trash truck accident. The accident may include another vehicle or a pedestrian. 

The anatomy of a garbage truck is bulky and awkward. Trash trucks are vast and powerful. At the same time, trash and recycling trucks are typically simple in technology and are not equipped with backup cameras, blind spot sensors, or auto-braking technology. Trash trucks are heavily dependent on human operation. 

A garbage truck accident claim can be serious and could involve severe injuries, hefty damages, and multiple defendants. These claims can get complicated fast and involve lengthy periods of discovery and litigation. If you or someone you love is the victim of a trash or recycling truck accident, call our injury attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan and Dianne were extremely helpful throughout the whole process, as a 22year old who had never dealt with anything in the legal realm, they were super patient and knowledgeable.  I would definitely recommend them.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Chase Leslie 
 
2022-12-12
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had a pleasant experience with Dan Gerash, Dianne, and the rest of the team at Gerash Steiner Blanton. Dan was attentive, responsive, friendly, clearly fought for me, and was very honest with realistic expectations but also was strong in his conviction to defend me. They walked me through each step of the way and was always there to speak with in case I had a question or a concern. I would recommend him and team, do not hesitate to call them if you need their services!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Derrick Powers 
 
2022-10-11
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
One of the best experiences I could have had during one of the toughest times of my life. In 2019 I had received a DUI and without the help of Dan Gerash, i don't believe i would have gotten through it. From start to finish he was professional, friendly, and the communication was top notch. Any questions i had Dan and his assistant Dianne were there with an answer. If they didn't have the answer right away they always knew who to contact and got back to me in a timely manner. Even after my sentencing, Dan was there to assist me with DMV/license questions. I found myself asking Dan and Dianne more questions then I would ask my Probation Officer. They just were so easy to communicate with. Two years after my sentencing when i had my final court appearance to come off probation, Dan was right there to assist me. He goes the extra mile for his clients. I high recommend him for any legal troubles you may have.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kurt Pedersen 
 
2022-08-25
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
My attorney was Dan Gerash and he was awesome to work with. His team explained everything to me long the way and I felt at ease during the process. My case was out of state and he fought for me in such a way that I could continue life, from home, uninterrupted through till the end of the case. Highly recommended
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Atria Warren 
 
2022-08-18
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan was amazing  He’s understanding and caring would definitely recommend.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Cindy Montez 
 
2022-08-14
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Excellent team, knowledgeable and dedicated. I definitely would recommend them. Dan is open, honest and was readily available.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Vance Kelso 
 
2022-08-05
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan worked with the DA and my life is back on track again. What was just a stupid mistake could've really been devastating but he worked hard for me and I'm grateful for the new opportunity I have.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Brian LaRose 
 
2022-04-06
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan is an excellent attorney. He helped us navigate a complex legal system with compassion and integrity.  I highly recommend him and his team.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Deanna Hunt 
 
2022-04-05
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan and Dianne were great. My case was in Summit County, Colorado and I live in Houston, TX. They took care of everything and kept me up to date constantly. I could reach them at anytime and both were always available to take my phone calls. I’m glad they were able to take care of everything without me having to fly out there.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 M. J. 
 
2021-05-25
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Amazing representation from an outstanding law firm. Dan took the time to get to know me on a personal level and was able to help me obtain a fair deal in settling my case. Dianne is his administration representative and keeps everything in proper order and works with you every step of the process. Made a bad situation as bearable as it could be. Very thankful I found Gerash Steiner.

Craig Neal
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Craig Neal 
 
2021-05-18
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Garbage Truck Accident Settlement Average

There is no “average” trash truck accident settlement. The reason for this is simply because every case is different. The particular circumstances of your case will dictate the damages you may seek. Typically, a trash truck accident settlement will involve compensation for:

• Medical expenses include ER bills, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and pharmaceuticals;
• Lost wages, including past, present, and future wages;
• Disfigurement and scarring;
• Pain and suffering; and
• Property damage. 

In some cases, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are a form of punishment for the defendant’s egregious or negligent behavior. Courts rarely award punitive damages, but your attorney can assess your case and let you know if you might be eligible for punitive damages. 

It also takes an experienced attorney to determine whether it is in your best interest to accept a settlement or proceed to trial. Making this determination involves assessing the discovery, including police reports, eyewitness statements, video surveillance, and expert testimony.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we are no strangers to the negotiating table. We have negotiated highly favorable settlements on behalf of our clients and seen many cases through to a successful jury verdict. There are many variables involved, and we are happy to meet with you and discuss the specifics of your case.  

Reasons for Trash Truck Accidents

There can be many reasons for a garbage truck accident, and sometimes more than one cause can be at play. Common reasons for trash truck accidents include:

• An uneducated, untrained, or under-trained driver;
• An overworked driver;
• A driver who has been assigned a large route and is speeding or forgoing sleep to make his destination on time;
• An unsafe truck (e.g., one that has improperly secured cargo that results in flying debris);
• A truck or part malfunction (e.g., brake failure);
• Blind spots;
• An improperly maintained trash truck; and
• Negligent hiring.

Depending on the circumstances, more than one of these might apply to your case. The reasons or cause of the accident will also indicate the potential defendants or responsible parties. 

Who Is Liable?

Given the magnitude of a trash truck accident, multiple responsible parties can exist. 

Depending on the circumstances, the liable party could be the garbage truck driver, a private waste management company, a municipality, an insurance company, or a combination of these. Sometimes the responsible party is abundantly clear, but figuring out who the at-fault party is isn’t always so simple. 

Operators vs. Owners

There are generally two groups of potentially liable defendants in trash truck claims. Responsible parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company, and trash removal companies (if these companies are not the same entity). 

Truck operators, especially drivers, have the same duty of care as any other motorist on the road. If the truck driver is negligent in their operation, they may be liable for the accident and injuries.

The second classification of defendants is the corporations or municipalities that own the trucking company. Generally, the corporate owner and employer are responsible for the proper maintenance of the trucks, appropriate training, and dutiful hiring. For instance, it would amount to negligent hiring if the company owner does not do adequate background checks on potential employees and hires someone with a troubling driving record. 

The trucking company is also responsible for adequately maintaining the trucks. If they fail to routinely service or replace broken or failing equipment, they can be held liable for any injuries resulting from a related accident. 

In some situations, municipalities own the trash trucks and employ the drivers and operators. In those cases, the city may also be a named defendant and ultimately responsible for your injuries and expenses.  

Every situation is different, and consulting with a truck accident injury attorney is the best way to properly assess your case and determine who is liable. 

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

As you can probably tell by now, trash truck accident claims can be complex. They often involve multiple parties, some of which can be large corporations with deep pockets and lawyers on staff ready to defend them. Getting to the bottom of who may ultimately be liable can be costly and time-consuming. It is something unrepresented individuals are rarely successful at on their own. 

We hope it is clear by now that there is no trash truck accident average settlement. Because settlement amounts vary so widely, naming an average is misleading at best. If you’re wondering how much your case is worth, don’t look at averages—look to an experienced attorney who can properly assess your case.

Obtaining a favorable trash truck settlement takes skill, knowledge of the law, and familiarity with the courts. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we have all three. Let us get started on your case today.

Get Help With Your Waste Management Garbage Truck Accident Claim

If you or someone you love was involved in a garbage truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., our personal injury attorneys have successfully obtained seven-figure settlements for our truck accident clients.

A trash truck accident claim can be convoluted and complicated, and they often require the precision and skill of experienced professional accident attorneys. Please don’t wait to seek the recovery you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do!