Texas Accident & Injury News
Garbage trucks can cause devastating damage in an accident.
Burning Load Dumped Onto South Austin Street by Trash Truck
According to a KSAT News report, a garbage truck dumped a load that had caught fire today in Seguin.
Police reported the incident happened on South Austin Street at Donegan roughly 2 hours ago. A load of garbage caught fire, and the driver noticed the smoke pouring out of the back of the truck. He quickly dumped the load onto the street to prevent the truck from catching fire, and first responders quickly extinguished it. No other vehicles were affected, and no injuries were reported. South Austin Street was closed while first responders extinguished the blaze.
Did You Know?
There are over 100 fatalities and 1,400 crashes per year involving garbage trucks.
Garbage Truck Accidents in Texas: What You Need to Know
No denying it: garbage trucks perform an essential service in our neighborhoods and cities across Texas.
However, a 32-ton commercial vehicle driving through neighborhoods once or twice a week is not exactly safe. In fact, garbage trucks cause thousands of injuries per year. And, as is the case with most companies, waste disposal companies don’t often want to take the blame for an accident – even if it is their fault.
What to Do After a Garbage Truck Accident
If you were hit by a careless garage truck operator, follow these steps to protect your claim:
- Call 9-1-1 – Get a police report for the accident, even if the driver tries to pressure you not to do so.
- Check for Injuries – Get immediate medical attention if you or anyone else is injured. Ensure no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the accident.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident scene, visible injuries, and damage to both vehicles. Take note of any cameras or witnesses that may have caught the accident.
- Gather Info – Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance of the garbage truck driver and other drivers involved.
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Some life-threatening injuries show up later.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance – Police reports are often required to do this, but get it done ASAP.
- Call Shaw
Why Do I Need an Attorney for a Garbage Truck Accident?
Garbage truck accidents are bigger in more than one way.
Garbage trucks are commercial vehicles. They belong to and are operated by a company that has a whole team of experts dedicated to protecting them from liability. And they’re not exactly known for wanting to pay for injuries or wrongful death – even if it is their fault.
When you get in an accident with a garbage truck, you’re not just up against the driver. Potentially liable parties include:
- The Driver – For their negligent behavior.
- The Private Waste Company – For negligent hiring practices, negligent training, or defective equipment.
- The Maintenence Company – For missing a critical malfunction or poor repair jobs.
- The Government – If the trash collection is run by the municipality.
Needless to say, you start at the bottom. Carabin Shaw can level the field.
Injured in a Trash Truck Accident? Call Shaw.
If you were hurt in an accident with a trash truck that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our commercial vehicle accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. We look forward to serving you.
Related: Professor at Texas A&M Struck and Killed by Garbage Truck in College Station