Garbage truck drivers provide residents of Toronto with an essential service. Even though they operate in the early hours when there are fewer people around, they still share the residential roads alongside other drivers and pedestrians. And because of this, accidents are still possible. What’s worse is that, due to their size, contents, and machinery, commercial garbage trucks can be much more dangerous than a typical car accident. If you are suffering a serious injury due to your involvement in a garbage truck accident, continue reading to discover how an experienced Toronto auto accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you understand the legal options at your disposal.
What are the frequent causes of garbage truck accidents in Toronto?
The culprit for most garbage truck accidents in Toronto is the multiple blind spots on this large truck that hinder a driver’s view. And while these trucks are not capable of super high speeds, they can still cause significant collisions that can result in devastating injuries. Besides the failure to check blind spots, other common causes of garbage truck accidents read as follows:
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving.
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Dumping waste that hits another vehicle or pedestrian.
- Dumping a hazardous waste spill.
- Falling objects that hit another vehicle or pedestrian.
- Driving in the wrong lane.
- Failure to follow traffic rules or signals, such as failing to yield the right-of-way.
- The driver fails to break on time and causes a rear-end collision.
- The driver keeps inadequate vehicle maintenance.
- The driver has a lack of training.
- Defective parts in the vehicle.
Who is liable for my garbage truck accident?
Garbage trucks are either owned and operated by a private trucking company or a government entity. That said, who is liable for your injuries depends on the circumstances of your accident. You may be able to file a claim against any of the following parties:
- The garbage truck driver or operator.
- The garbage truck owner.
- The waste removal company or employer.
- The vehicle maintenance company.
- A government entity.
- The manufacturer of the defective parts.
- Other drivers involved in your accident.
To determine the liable party for your accident, consult with a skilled Ontario personal injury lawyer today.
What compensation can I pursue for my garbage truck accident?
With your garbage truck accident claim, depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of economic damages include your current and future medical bills, current and future lost wages, funeral and burial expenses, property damage, etc.
Examples of non-economic damages include disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, diminished quality of life, etc.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.
