Three Injured in Lodi Garbage Truck Accident
Three people were injured in a Lodi garbage truck accident on the morning of August 19, 2019. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said traffic was at a stop on Highway 99. For unknown reasons, a driver of a Waste Management truck was not able to stop in time and rear-ended a pickup truck. The impact of the collision caused three other vehicles to be struck. Three cars were reported to have sustained significant damage in the truck accident. Three parties were taken to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Officials have not yet released an update regarding the conditions of those who suffered injuries in the crash.
Liability in a Lodi Garbage Truck Accident
When a person is injured in a garbage truck crash, it is possible that they may be able to bring a personal injury claim against more than one party. These include:
- Government Entity: A personal injury claim may be filed against a government agency if the driver of the garbage truck was a government employee. Conversely, a claim may also be brought against a government entity if the trucking accident occurred due to poor road conditions. These may include potholes, unsafe road design, and lack of warning signage. Any of these road defects may cause a garbage truck to lose control and crash.
- Trucking Company: Every truck company is liable for the upkeep of their vehicles. Issues should be addressed and corrected before the commercial vehicle is permitted on the road. This is usually done by routine inspection and maintenance. When a trucking company fails to do so and an accident occurs, that entity may become the focus of a personal injury lawsuit.
- Truck Driver: Garbage truck drivers are expected to follow the same standard as with any other type of commercial driver. They are required to adhere to the guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When a garbage truck driver fails to do so, they may be held liable for their negligent acts. This includes not checking blind spots, violating traffic laws, driving under the influence, and distracted driving.
- Truck Manufacturer: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining and inspecting their vehicles. However, not every company does so. Lights, brakes, and tires may not always be in working order. On top of this, defective tires or brakes may cause a catastrophic accident when a garbage truck loses control due to a tire blowout or brake malfunction. When this happens, the manufacturer of the truck parts or equipment may be held financially responsible for resulting losses through an auto products liability claim.
Time is of the essence for a truck accident case. Letters of preservation of evidence must be sent immediately to prove liability on the part of a negligent trucker or trucking company. Conversely, specific time limits may apply in some cases. To learn about the importance of the statute of limitations in a personal injury claim, watch the below video.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Bringing a personal injury case against a truck manufacturer, waste management company, or government entity requires the expertise and resources only an experienced Lodi truck accident lawyer has. An attorney has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation for a truck accident to bring a successful case against appropriate entities. A lawyer also knows how to overcome the tactics that insurance claims adjusters use to limit the amount they payout for a truck accident claim. This way, the attorney can secure fair compensation to cover an injured person’s accident-related damages, such as medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Truck Accident Attorneys in Lodi
I’m Ed Smith, a Lodi truck accident attorney. A collision with a garbage truck may cause serious injuries to those riding in passenger vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the negligence of a garbage truck driver, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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