A Philadelphia garbage truck accident can occur quickly, leaving victims with severe and often life-altering injuries. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one suffered significant damages from a garbage truck accident.
Multiple damages are possible following such a crash. Protecting your best interests as soon as possible following a garbage truck accident is crucial for also safeguarding your future needs. A Philadelphia garbage truck accident attorney helps victims of negligence pursue the compensation they need and deserve.
Garbage Truck Accidents Involving Negligence
At issue: Dangerous drivers and poorly maintained trucks
Garbage trucks are a common sight throughout the city. One assumes the trucks are properly maintained and the driver is trained. Blind spots, backing down narrow alleys, and navigating city traffic make safety crucial.
Drivers operating garbage trucks must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Despite this requirement, garbage truck drivers can be guilty of the same reckless actions as other drivers. What makes their behavior especially dangerous is the massive weight and size of the trucks.
Common causes of garbage truck accidents involving dangerous drivers and poorly maintained trucks include:
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol: The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .04 percent is the legal limit for garbage truck drivers — a lower threshold than the .08 percent for other drivers.
- Distracted or aggressive driving: The typical garbage truck makes approximately 1,000 daily stops. The constant starting and stopping demands a dedicated and calm focus on the task.
- Inadequate or missed inspections: Well-maintained brakes and tires are just two essential safety components of a garbage truck. Other vital elements are properly working lights, mirrors, and steering.
Safety is paramount, because garbage trucks frequent neighborhoods and other areas of high pedestrian traffic and interaction. There is no room for negligent actions that may harm a child, adult, or senior.
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries from a Philadelphia garbage truck accident, seek help from a semi-truck accident attorney today. Knowing your case is in good hands removes significant stress from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your rest and recovery.
The Harsh Reality of Garbage Truck Accidents
Victims experience multiple and long-lasting damages.
The average weight of a fully loaded garbage truck is approximately 25 tons. An out-of-control garbage truck can cause other road users severe and life-altering harm.
Medical costs associated with emergency transportation and hospital or trauma center fees start immediately. The costs for victims with severe or permanent injuries continue to build throughout the years.
Severe and catastrophic injuries that typically require extensive recovery or lifetime care include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes TBI as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. Therapies are often necessary for some victims who must relearn basic skills. Others may require around-the-clock care, a costly necessity.
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury affects movement and sensation. Accident victims who suffer a spinal cord injury may rely upon home modifications, power chairs, and accessible vehicles for their needs.
- Bone fractures: Medical costs associated with bone fractures depend upon the type and number of fractures. Multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and the need for personal care assistance can contribute to the costs.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage or other complications from internal injuries can impact a victim’s overall quality of life, making ongoing medical care crucial and expensive.
Garbage truck accidents can end careers, affect relationships, and leave victims with emotional scars. The financial toll is stressful for families as they deal with anxiety about their growing medical costs and inability to work.
A garbage truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia understands Pennsylvania law and how to handle insurance companies. Choosing the right lawyer is essential for your case and your peace of mind.
Why Choose Us for Your Garbage Truck Accident
Thousands Have Chosen The Cochran Firm for Legal Representation.
At The Cochran Firm, we understand how overwhelmed accident victims feel after a traumatic crash. From determining your next step to dealing with significant life changes, it is often a time of confusion and anxiety.
Built upon a strong foundation, The Cochran Firm is nationally known for securing compensation for victims of negligence. We are proud of our successful history and work throughout the community.
While we do not promise the same outcome for each client, we work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for every case. The following is just a sample of what we bring to our clients and the issues we represent:
- Access to experts
- Strong negotiators
- Experienced litigators
- Compassionate staff
- Consistent communication.
Many garbage truck accident victims face a long recovery or must learn to adapt to a catastrophic and permanent injury. Either situation is unfair and expensive.
If you cannot work and the medical costs continue to climb, contact The Cochran Firm today for a free consultation for your Philadelphia garbage truck accident case.
Garbage truck accidents caused by negligence are challenging to manage alone. Ease your stress by hiring a member of The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia today. We offer a free no-obligation consultation for accident victims.
How We Can Help
We manage the intricate details of your case.
We help those severely injured by negligent garbage truck drivers or trucks, whether they were pedestrians, motorists or cyclists. We have access to accident reconstruction experts and other expert resources to help us build the best evidence-based case possible.
At The Cochran Firm, we put our more than 20 years of experience helping local and regional victims to work for you. An attorney from our office protects your best interests and takes on insurance companies of all sizes.
Knowing someone is on your side as you rest, heal, and recover is invaluable during such a difficult time. A Philadelphia garbage truck accident is traumatic and, when caused by negligence, demands accountability.
Let The Cochran Firm fight for the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your civil case so you can focus on yourself.
Garbage Truck Accidents: FAQs
A Philadelphia garbage truck accident lawyer answers frequently asked questions:
Do I need an attorney? Can I accept a settlement from an insurance company?
An attorney is vital for protecting your best interests. Accepting a settlement without an attorney may result in a low settlement that does not cover your future medical care.
Can I sue an insurance company later if my settlement is not enough?
No. Once you accept a settlement, you may not sue for additional funds later. This is why it is crucial that you fight for fair compensation with the help of an attorney.
How long do I have to file a garbage truck accident lawsuit?
Pennsylvania accident victims have two years to file a civil lawsuit. The two-year time begins when the accident occurred, making it crucial to file your case as soon as possible.
What types of damages are common in a garbage truck accident case?
Common types of damages include lost wages, medical costs, loss of potential future earnings if victims cannot return to their job, and pain and suffering.
Can I sue if my loved one dies in a garbage truck accident?
Pennsylvania law generally allows spouses, children, or parents of the deceased to pursue a wrongful death case. A Philadelphia wrongful death attorney can determine if your relationship with the decedent qualifies you for legal action.
Do I need a deposit or retainer to hire The Cochran Firm for my Philadelphia accident?
No. The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia understands that victims generally face financial stress following an accident. Therefore, the firm works on a contingency fee basis. They collect their legal fees if and when they win your case. Simply put, if they do not win, you owe no legal fees.
A garbage truck accident turns your world upside down. Learn more about your legal options if you or a loved one suffered harm due to a reckless driver or company. Schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with a Philadelphia garbage truck accident attorney.
Philadelphia Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys
Experiencing a traumatic accident is stressful and costly. When the accident results from negligence, you have a right to pursue compensation for your damages. Insurance companies are notorious for offering accident victims unfair settlements. Securing a Philadelphia garbage truck accident attorney from The Cochran Firm protects you from such pressure and offers.
Dealing with severe injuries and significant life changes is difficult enough. Your time of pain and recovery is not the time to manage your civil case alone. Most civil cases settle without ever going to trial. However, if a trial is necessary, The Cochran Firm has the courtroom skills vital for going before a judge and jury.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a long-standing tradition of helping victims of negligence. Let a member of our team get to work for you. Call The Cochran Firm today to learn if you have a case: (800) 969-4400.