Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers in Long Island

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Garbage truck on the road

Every day, garbage truck operators in communities across Long Island carry out the essential task of collecting waste from homes and businesses and hauling it to landfills. With their frequent stops and starts and mergers into traffic, garbage truck accidents occur regularly. Some lead to severe or even fatal injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, you have only a certain amount of time to pursue a claim. Complex laws and regulations apply, especially if the accident involved a garbage truck owned by a local department of sanitation.

Finz & Finz, P.C. is ready to help. Our law firm has a track record of success handling complex personal injury cases. Our highly experienced Long Island truck accident lawyers have secured more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. We understand the ordeal you are experiencing and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate legal assistance every step of the way.

Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today for more information about how we can assist you as you move forward after a garbage truck crash. There is no charge for the initial case review.

Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents, like any traffic accidents, can occur for many reasons. These large, unwieldy vehicles move in and out of traffic to make frequent stops. They have large blind spots on both sides. They require well-trained drivers and properly-maintained equipment to operate safely.

Some of the most common causes of garbage truck accidents in Long Island include the following:

What To Do After a Trash Truck Accident

Following a garbage truck accident, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights to seek compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Here are some key steps to take after an accident:

  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders and keep follow-up appointments
  • Take photographs or videos of the scene, if possible.
  • Gather contact and insurance information from all involved parties.
  • Keep copies of medical expenses and loss of income.
  • Identify potential witnesses and obtain their contact information.
  • Do not admit fault or accept any settlement offers without having a lawyer review the offer.
  • Avoid social media.
  • Consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Who Is Liable After a Garbage Truck Crash in NY?

In the aftermath of a garbage truck accident in New York, any of several parties might be legally responsible, including the following:

  • A garbage truck driver – If a garbage truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, the driver and the driver’s employer could be financially responsible for the consequences.
  • Another road user – In some cases, another motorist or pedestrian may be liable for causing an accident. For example, another driver could be responsible if they violated the right of way or tried to pass a garbage truck improperly, causing an accident.
  • Another sanitation worker – Sometimes, other sanitation workers could be liable if they contribute to an accident. An example could be if a worker fails to secure waste and it spills out, creating a traffic hazard.
  • A waste management company – The company that owns the garbage truck might be financially liable if an employee caused the accident while operating a truck or if the company failed to provide adequate employee training.
  • Local government entities – In some cases, hazardous road conditions due to poor maintenance or construction could contribute to an accident. The local government responsible for road maintenance could be held accountable.
  • Local Department of Sanitation – If the local Department of Sanitation or another municipal or governmental entity owns the truck, the government could be financially accountable for an accident involving its vehicle.
  • The maintenance company -If the truck was not properly maintained by a third -party maintenance company and that contributed to the cause of the accident, then that company could be held responsible.
  • Vehicle manufacturers – If the accident was caused by a design or manufacturing defect in the garbage truck, the vehicle manufacturer could be liable.

Statute of Limitations for Garbage Truck Accident Claims in NY

In the State of New York, a law called the statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a lawsuit after certain events, such as personal injuries that were caused by a motor vehicle accident. The timeframe that applies to your case can vary depending on the specifics of the situation and the entities involved in the lawsuit.

New York’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you three years to file most personal injury lawsuits, including garbage truck accident injury lawsuits against non-governmental entities. That means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the accident if you wish to sue.

If you have a claim against a public entity, such as the local Department of Sanitation, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. The Notice is a prerequisite to filing a claim against a government agency, and it informs the entity of the grounds for your claim.

If you don’t provide proper notice within the relevant period, the court could dismiss your case, eliminating your right to demand money for your losses. Given the complexity of the rules and the steep price of a mistake, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident. Your lawyer will identify and comply with applicable deadlines and protect your right to compensation.

Compensation Available in a New York Garbage Truck Accident Claim

Injuries from a garbage truck accident can contribute to physical, emotional, and financial burdens. In New York, victims can pursue various types of compensation to alleviate their hardships. For example, you could recover money for the following types of losses with a successful injury claim:

Talk to an Experienced Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer on Long Island Today

The experienced legal team at Finz & Finz, P.C. is dedicated to helping individuals who have been injured due to an accident involving a garbage truck. Reach out to our Long Island personal injury lawyers now for your free consultation session to share your story with us.