Garbage trucks are essential for the health and sanitation of the City of San Antonio, but they can present a high risk of harm to the drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians who share the road with them. If you have been injured in an accident involving a garbage truck in San Antonio, explore your legal rights with a qualified San Antonio truck accident attorney.

What Causes Garbage Truck Accidents in Texas?

Since Texas uses a fault-based insurance law, it is necessary to determine the cause of your garbage truck accident in San Antonio before you can proceed with a claim. The person or party at fault for the crash will be held liable, or responsible for paying for the victim’s medical bills and property repairs. The most common causes of garbage truck accidents include:

  • Truck driver negligence. A truck driver using less than the appropriate level of care when operating the garbage truck. Examples include speeding, failing to keep a proper lookout, driving under the influence or backing up without checking.
  • Equipment malfunctions. If the trash compactor elements of a garbage truck fail, it could cause accidents and injuries. Other equipment failures, such as tire blowouts or brake failure, could also cause serious traffic accidents.
  • Company negligence. The waste management company failing to use proper care in tasks such as hiring and training its employees and maintaining its trucks can be dangerous. It is the owner of the truck’s responsibility to keep the vehicle and its equipment properly maintained.

If you get hurt in a garbage truck accident, collect evidence at the scene to help determine and prove fault. This can include a police accident report, photographs of the scene and witness statements. Get medical care for your injuries right away. Then, consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in San Antonio about your legal options.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for a Garbage Truck Accident in San Antonio?

Unlike a standard car accident claim that only involves two drivers, a garbage truck accident case in San Antonio involves the truck driver, a waste management company and potentially other parties, such as the manufacturer of trash collection equipment. Most garbage trucks that operate in San Antonio are owned by the city. This means that the city or municipal government could be held liable for a garbage truck accident involving one of its trucks or drivers.

How Do Claims Against the Government Work in San Antonio?

A claim against the government in San Antonio is governed by the Texas Tort Claims Act, along with local municipal laws. These laws make it more difficult to hold a government agency accountable for an accident and injury compared to the average person. For example, rather than the typical deadline of two years to file a truck accident claim, you will only have 90 days to file a notice with the San Antonio government of your intent to sue.

An Attorney Can Help You Recover From a Garbage Truck Accident in San Antonio

If you get hurt in an accident involving a garbage truck in San Antonio, it is important to protect your rights by hiring an attorney with experience handling this type of case. The Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo has highly experienced truck accident lawyers. After a garbage truck accident, we can protect your rights and seek fair financial compensation from a waste management company on your behalf. For a free consultation about your particular case, contact us at (210) 404-7423.