Chattanooga Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys
Representing Victims of Garbage Truck Accidents in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama
Garbage trucks play an important role in keeping our communities clean and safe, but they can also become a dangerous nuisance on the road if drivers of these mammoth vehicles do not act with the utmost caution. An accident involving a garbage truck tends to be more complicated than the typical auto accident case, as these vehicles are subject to different rules and may be owned or operated by the government. To dependably recover the compensation you deserve, you will need a legal team who is familiar with the intricacies of the law and how to strategically approach these claims.
At The Hamilton Firm, we have the knowledge, resources, and drive to aggressively represent you and recover the compensation you deserve. With nearly a century of combined legal experience, we have already secured over $100 million for our clients in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. No matter how complex your situation may seem, our Chattanooga garbage truck accident lawyers are confident we can investigate the wreck, determine who can be held accountable, and fight to protect your interests in and out of the courtroom. We work fast without ever sacrificing the meticulous attention to detail we have become known for, and you will receive a personal level of attention and service every step of the way. Maximizing what you recover is our mission, and we will do whatever it takes to deliver an optimal outcome.
You will never pay anything upfront and only owe legal fees if we win or obtain a favorable settlement. Call (423) 454-3288 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary case evaluation today.
Trucking and car accidents can take a toll on your life. Our attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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What Damages Can I Recover for Garbage Truck Accident Injuries?
Garbage truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries. A lawsuit is meant to help you recover compensation for the tangible and intangible consequences of these injuries and other losses related to the accident. Recoverable economic damages for lawsuits involving private defendants are not typically capped, but damages are usually capped in cases involving the government. Regardless, we will always seek to secure the maximum available compensation.
Our Chattanooga garbage truck accident lawyers will work to get you full and fair compensation for all losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Ongoing or permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Property damage
Garbage Trucks Are Treated Differently
Whenever you get behind the wheel of your car, you are expected to follow all traffic laws. That means you must drive on the right side of the road and stay out of bike lanes whenever possible, among many other rules.
Garbage trucks are not always subject to the same traffic laws when drivers are actively engaged in the collection of trash. For example, when garbage trucks are “on the job” and attempting to collect waste, they can generally travel and stop in bike lanes, travel down the “incorrect” side of the road, and even traverse a one-way road in the “wrong” direction. They can also stop just about anywhere, even in places where other vehicles cannot park or idle.
In other words, a garbage truck driver is not automatically liable for an accident if they appear to be breaking a traffic rule at the time of the collision. If they were actively engaging in the collection of trash when the crash occurred, they may not necessarily have violated the legal duty of care owed to others on the road. This can make building a strong case more challenging if you do not have a lawyer who is familiar with how to effectively navigate cases involving garbage trucks. Our Chattanooga garbage truck accident attorneys have a complete understanding of the laws that apply to these commercial vehicles and when their actions constitute negligence.
Why Choose Our Firm?
Hiring a Chattanooga garbage truck accident lawyer, like The Hamilton Firm LLC, can provide numerous benefits for an injury case resulting from such an incident. Here's how we can assist:
- Legal Expertise: We have specialized knowledge and experience in handling garbage truck accident cases. Our understanding of local laws and regulations, as well as experience in similar cases, allows us to navigate the legal complexities effectively.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and any available surveillance footage. This helps build a strong case to support your claim.
- Determining Liability: Identifying the liable parties in a garbage truck accident can be complex. We delve deep into the details to determine whether the driver, the waste management company, the truck manufacturer, or other entities bear responsibility.
- Negotiation Skills: Our experience in negotiating with insurance companies and legal representatives on your behalf ensures that you receive fair compensation. We aim to maximize the settlement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are prepared to represent you in court. Our legal team will advocate for your rights and present a compelling case before a judge or jury.
- Reducing Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident, especially one involving injuries, can be overwhelming. We take the legal burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
- Personalized Guidance: Throughout the legal process, we provide personalized guidance and support, keeping you informed about the progress of your case and offering clarity on legal proceedings and options available to you.
In essence, hiring The Hamilton Firm LLC for your Chattanooga garbage truck accident case ensures that you have a dedicated team with the expertise and resources needed to pursue the compensation you deserve while advocating for your best interests every step of the way.
Whether your garbage truck accident took place in your neighborhood or the I-75, we have what it takes to successfully represent you. Contact us online or call (423) 454-3288 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys today.
What is a Garbage Truck Accident?
A garbage truck accident refers to any incident involving a vehicle specifically designed for collecting and transporting waste materials. These accidents can vary in severity and may result in injuries, property damage, or environmental hazards.
Common types of garbage truck accidents include:
- Collisions: These occur when a garbage truck collides with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. They might happen at intersections, during lane changes, or due to distracted driving.
- Rollovers: Garbage trucks, especially those with a high center of gravity due to the load they carry, can tip over while navigating turns or when improperly loaded.
- Pedestrian or Cyclist Accidents: Due to blind spots or poor visibility, pedestrians or cyclists might be at risk when a garbage truck is maneuvering, especially during backing up or turning.
- Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes, steering issues, or other mechanical problems can lead to accidents involving garbage trucks.
- Falling Debris: Improperly secured or overloaded garbage can fall off the truck during transportation, potentially causing accidents or hazards for other vehicles.
- Worker Injuries: Garbage truck accidents can also involve injuries to waste management workers while they are collecting or handling trash.
- Environmental Hazards: Spills or leaks from damaged garbage trucks can lead to environmental contamination, especially if the waste contains hazardous materials.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck accidents can occur due to various reasons, and some of the common causes include:
- Driver Error: This encompasses a range of issues such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or driving under the influence. Errors in judgment or lack of attention can lead to accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Garbage trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles. Inadequate visibility can result in collisions or accidents during maneuvers.
- Improper Loading: Overloading or unevenly distributed loads can affect the stability of the garbage truck, increasing the risk of rollovers or spillage of waste onto roadways.
- Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, steering problems, or other mechanical issues can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent such failures.
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient training for garbage truck drivers regarding proper handling of the vehicle, navigating tight spaces, and understanding safety protocols can contribute to accidents.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Waste management workers might be at risk due to unsafe working practices, lack of proper safety equipment, or inadequate procedures during waste collection.
- Environmental Factors: Weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving garbage trucks.
- Other Road Users: Actions of other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists, such as sudden maneuvers or failure to yield, can lead to accidents involving garbage trucks.
Who Is Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident?
Ascertaining liability for a garbage truck accident requires knowing which questions to ask. Was the garbage truck driver actively engaging in trash collection at the time of the collision? If the garbage truck was not collecting trash when the accident occurred, the special protections that shield them from liability may not necessarily apply. Furthermore, is the garbage truck driver employed by a local government or a private company? Are they considered an employee or an independent contractor? The answers will potentially reveal layers of ownership and insurance coverage, which our team at The Hamilton Firm knows how to assess to accurately determine liability.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, one or more of the following parties may be liable for a garbage truck accident:
- The garbage truck driver
- The private trucking company or broker
- The owner of the garbage truck
- The garbage truck or vehicle component manufacturer
- Parties responsible for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and inspections
- A state, city, or local municipality
- Insurance companies for various parties
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Garbage Truck Accident Lawsuit?
The amount of time you will have to take legal action for a garbage truck accident will depend on the state in which the collision occurred as well as whether one of the defendants is a government entity. Each state enforces deadlines for bringing personal injury claims, and you almost always have less time to start the legal process in cases involving the government.
In Tennessee, you will have one year from the date of the garbage truck accident to file a lawsuit. In Georgia and Alabama, you get considerably more time: Two years from the date of the collision. If your case involves the government, you will usually need to file a notice of claim with the appropriate government entity much sooner, regardless of the state, to avoid losing your right to seek compensation. We can help you avoid unintentionally missing a deadline.
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To charge a reasonable contingency fee and to explain in advance how that fee will be determined and how expenses will be paid.
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To handle their legal matters competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the legal profession.
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To treat clients with respect and courtesy.
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