When you are injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, you might be confused about your legal rights and options. How does your personal injury claim change if someone injured you while they were working? What if the garbage service provider were part of the government? These issues can create unique legal challenges. The experienced garbage truck accident lawyers at Salango Law, PLLC, can help sort out these complex matters.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Some of the unique factors that can contribute to garbage truck accidents in West Virginia include:
- Unqualified drivers – Driving a garbage truck safely requires special skills. Garbage trucks are difficult to operate. Garbage service operators may hire drivers who are unqualified, lack the necessary skills, or have no experience. They may also fail to properly train them.
- Tight schedules – Drivers must service a lot of properties in a limited amount of time. This can lead to the drivers speeding or driving aggressively to meet them.
- Fatigue – Many garbage truck drivers must work early in the morning and into the night. Being behind a truck for this long of a time can lead to fatigue, which can mimic the symptoms of drunk driving.
- Frequent stops – Garbage trucks have to make many stops. Drivers may fail to signal or may back up, causing confusion for other drivers.
- Distractions – Drivers can get distracted by messages from their employers, directions, cell phones, stimuli outside the vehicle, and other sources. Distracted drivers have delayed reactions to safety hazards.
- Improperly loaded trash – If garbage workers do not carefully load trash, it can come loose and fall into the pathway of unsuspecting motorists.
- Mechanical issues – Garbage truck accidents can occur due to blown tires, brake failure, or other mechanical problems.
An experienced attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the crash and identify how it happened and who is responsible for it.
Liability for Garbage Truck Accidents in West Virginia
Various entities provide waste removal services in West Virginia, including Republic Services, Waste Management, Apple Valley Waste, and local cities and municipalities. Generally, employers are responsible for the negligent actions of their employees, so even if the driver ultimately caused the accident, you may be able to file the claim against their employer, who likely has more resources and insurance coverage than a private individual.
Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in West Virginia
Whether your case is against a private party or governmental agency, it is subject to West Virginia’s two-year statute of limitations. However, there are additional notice requirements you must fulfill if your personal injury case is against a governmental entity. If you don’t file your case in time, it can be dismissed as untimely, and you can forfeit your right to compensation. You can take the first step toward protecting your legal rights by reaching out to an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers with Salango Law, PLLC for Legal Assistance
If you were seriously injured in a garbage truck accident, the personal injury lawyers at Salango Law, PLLC, can help fight for your full and fair compensation. Call us today at (304) 342-0512 to set up a free, no-obligation case review.