Bicyclist Injured in Santa Barbara Garbage Truck Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. An accident between a bicyclist and garbage truck on Monday, May 15, caused critical injuries to the cyclist, according to a representative of the fire department for the City of Santa Barbara. Details on the injured man and his condition are not available at the time of this report.
I want to take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to the injured man and his family in this stressful time.
What Happened
The crash happened along Mountain Drive shortly before 8:00 p.m. when the bicyclist was heading down a hill located on a tight curve. According to the fire captain, the cyclist went wide to take the turn. That was when he crashed with a trash truck proceeding up the same hill. After receiving emergency treatment at the accident scene, an AMR ambulance arrived and transported the man, described as being around his late 20s in age, to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The man’s injuries were described as being major, affecting his neck, chest and head. The fire chief also said the man may have suffered a collapsed lung. The police department in Santa Barbara is conducting an investigation into the accident.
Obeying Traffic Laws
The duties of both bicyclists and truckers on the road are the same. Each must obey traffic laws and not act in a manner that puts themselves in danger or endangers others. A garbage truck accident can have particularly serious consequences. Waste disposal trucks can be difficult to maneuver because of their size, weight and limited visibility. Their size also causes significant injuries when a pedestrian or bicyclist is involved.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
The following are common causes of such accidents:
- Driver distraction
- Fatigue
- Lack of proper training
- Vehicle maintenance issues
- Inadequate mirrors and warning alarms
Injuries Associated with Garbage Truck Accidents
Injuries suffered in an accident with a garbage truck can be serious such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Trauma to the chest
- Fractured or broken bones
- Upper extremity injuries
- Spinal cord damage
In a worst case scenario, an accident with a garbage truck caused by the negligence of the driver or company can result in a wrongful death. This is when a personal injury attorney with experience in this type of accident can help by examining all the evidence in the case to help the surviving family members recover damages.
Attorney Ed Smith
Personal Injury Lawyer in Santa Barbara
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. Call me today at my local number, (805) 372-0200 or (800) 404-5400 long distance if you, or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a garbage truck. I offer free advice in a friendly manner and can answer your questions.
Information on cases and reviews by previous clients can be helpful when choosing a personal injury attorney to represent your or your loved one’s injury. A list of some of my previous cases can be found on Verdicts and Settlements, while reviews are found on Google, Avvo and Yelp.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/street-cleaning-garbage-disposal-188997/
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