According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate over 250 million tons of trash annually. Garbage trucks are an integral part of society; however, like many other large vehicles, these trucks can pose a serious hazard to Maryland drivers. The fundamental nature of trash collection and garbage trucks makes it difficult to predict when and where a driver will stop. Although sanitation workers provide an essential service, their negligence can result in serious injuries to other drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Those who suffered injuries in an accident with a Maryland garbage truck should contact an experienced attorney.
Moreover, the Solid Waste Association of North America (“SWANA”) released a statement expressing concern about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data that indicates a 15 percent increase in traffic fatalities in 2021. The data is consistent with SWANA’s findings showing a high level of third-party fatal accidents involving waste collection vehicles.
Although Maryland is one of the number of states to enact Slow Down to Get Around laws requiring drivers to move over or slow down when passing waste and recycling vehicles, these accidents continue to pose a serious risk to motorists. For instance, Maryland reports described an accident involving an 83-year-old woman who died after being run over by a garbage truck. According to reports, the woman was crossing the road when a trash truck struck her while backing up.
In addition to the harrowing incident above, there are many causes of Maryland garbage truck accidents. Even though many garbage trucks move slowly, trash drivers often have limited visibility. These vehicles’ limited visibility and inherent design are just some factors that can contribute to an accident. Further, other causes of trash truck accidents include:
- Defective truck parts
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Fatigued drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Overloaded vehicles
- Improper or sudden braking
Although waste companies across the country are working towards a solution to these problems, accidents are still prevalent.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents?
Similar to other accidents with large trucks, garbage truck accidents can cause various severe injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Limb loss
- Organ trauma
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
After an accident with a Maryland trash truck, injury victims or their families should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies. These cases can pose many challenges, especially in cases where the trash truck driver was a city employee.
Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers in Washington, D.C.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a serious truck accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The lawyers at our office have extensive experience successfully achieving favorable outcomes for injury vicitms and their families. In addition to Washington, D.C. garbage truck accident cases, our firm handles claims involving other motor vehicles, product liability, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and negligence. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.