Orlando Garbage and Work Truck Accidents
If someone mentions truck accidents, chances are you will imagine a massive 18-wheeler careening into a helpless passenger vehicle. While this is a common problem on Florida roadways, there are other serious truck accidents that can occur, as well.
For example, garbage and work trucks can be involved in accidents throughout Orlando. While these trucks play an invaluable role in day-to-day life, comfort, and convenience, they can also be dangerous.
If you have been involved in an accident with a garbage or work truck, get in touch with our team at Pardy& Rodriguez P.A.. We have represented thousands of cases like yours and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Why Garbage and Work Truck Accidents Are a Concern
While clunky garbage and work trucks will bring a unique image to mind, they are no less dangerous than large, commercial trucks.
Usually, work trucks work in residential areas and move slowly. They provide service to construction sites and homes and show up on a set schedule or when someone needs them.
Even though they may seem harmless, these trucks are often large. Many exceed the 10,000-pound gross vehicle weight limit that has been set for large trucks.
If one of these trucks happens to collide with another vehicle, the mass and weight increase the possibility of serious injuries and damages. If you are involved in an accident with one of these large trucks while in your passenger vehicle, there is a likelihood that you or someone in the vehicle will suffer a serious or even fatal injury.
At this point, you need to act. Your injuries may be life-altering, and if they occurred because of the truck driver’s negligence or wrongful act, you might be able to recover compensation. We are here to help with this.
Common Causes of Garbage and Work Truck Accidents in Orlando
Some of the most common causes of garbage and work truck accidents in Orlando include:
Reversing Accidents
When a garbage or work truck backs up, the driver must be very careful to ensure they do not hit bicyclists, other vehicles, or pedestrians. Unfortunately, reversing accidents are quite common and can result in traumatic injuries.
Speeding in Adverse Conditions
These trucks are bigger and weigh more than traditional passenger vehicles. Because of this, they have a much longer stopping distance and minimal maneuverability. Also, if a large truck like this is operating on narrow or slick roads, the risk increases, especially if the driver is speeding or engaging in other risky behavior.
Not Yielding or Stopping
Sometimes, work and garbage truck drivers will ignore store and yield signs to try to get their work done faster. Unfortunately, this poses a serious risk to others on the road.
Not Checking Blind Spots
If a driver does not check the truck’s blind spots for bicyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians, they may cause an accident. Mirrors are not always able to see all around these large trucks, which is why it is imperative drivers actively check their blind spots while driving.
Distracted Driving
Operating any vehicle requires you to pay attention to the road. However, if you drive a large work truck or garbage truck, you must be even more diligent in staying focused on the road. That’s because accidents with large trucks are typically more serious and cause more injuries than traditional passenger vehicle accidents.
Understanding Liability in Orlando Garbage and Work Truck Accidents
If you have been involved in an accident with a garbage or work truck and suffered injuries or damages, the effects of these may be far-reaching. This is because these trucks are so much bigger than your passenger vehicle.
In most cases, you will likely have medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages to deal with. While you may be able to get a settlement from the insurance company, this may not be sufficient to cover all your long-term damages occurring from the accident.
Along with seeking legal action against the truck drivers, it may also be possible to seek compensation from their employers. This is true if the employer is a private entity. If the accident involves a government-owned vehicle, accident victims do not have as many rights or options to recover compensation.
To successfully recover compensation, it is necessary that the worker who caused it was acting within their duties. This means the driver was on their normal route, not taking a break or detour.
Contact Us to Learn More
After an accident with a garbage or work truck, you may wonder what to do next. While this is true, we are here to help. Our team can review the facts of your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us at Pardy& Rodriguez P.A. by calling (407) 759-3560 to learn more.