Las Vegas Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers

Sanitation workers are vital to our communities, ensuring waste is regularly removed from homes and businesses. Garbage trucks typically perform this task safely and efficiently. However, as with other large vehicles, garbage trucks in Nevada may pose a risk of serious injury to workers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, and drivers when collisions occur. If a crash involving a sanitation truck leads to traumatic injuries, an experienced Las Vegas garbage truck accident attorney can assist the injured party in securing compensation.

Recent Accidents Involving Garbage Trucks in Las Vegas

Some of the recent catastrophic collisions involving sanitation trucks in the Las Vegas area include:

• On September 12, 2024, a cyclist, age 23, suffered fatal injuries in a crash involving a sanitation truck. According to a local news source, the incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Parkson Road and Warm Springs Road in Henderson. Due to ongoing construction in the area, the bike lane was blocked off with barricades and signage. Both the bicyclist and the dump truck were headed eastbound at the time of the incident. Investigators reported that the rear tires of the garbage truck allegedly struck the cyclist, causing serious injury. The cyclist was hospitalized and later declared deceased.

National Statistics Involving Large Trucks

Crashes involving large trucks result in a higher number of fatalities and injuries compared to collisions with other types of vehicles:

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that approximately 81 percent of deadly accidents involving large trucks involved more than one car, while only 58 percent of fatal crashes involved passenger vehicles.
• Wrecks involving large trucks tend to be more severe. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that large truck crashes are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities compared to crashes involving only passenger vehicles.
• Large truck accidents account for a significant portion of road fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks are involved in approximately 10 percent of all fatal crashes, despite making up a smaller percentage of the total number of vehicles.

What Are the Common Reasons for Sanitation Truck Crashes?

There are various factors that contribute to the likelihood of garbage truck collisions. Some common reasons include:

• These trucks typically operate in the early morning hours when visibility is low due to darkness, and they frequently stop and start.
• Garbage truck drivers may also block traffic or make sudden stops, creating obstacles for other drivers on the road.

Garbage truck operators and companies also have a responsibility to conduct daily vehicle inspections and provide continuous training for drivers. Additional factors that may cause or contribute to sanitation truck accidents include:

• Driver negligence
• Faulty equipment
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Unsecured loads or falling debris

Studies have indicated that private waste collection companies tend to have poorer safety records compared to those managed by government agencies. This may be attributed to drivers from private companies being overworked to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Safety Tips to Avoid Collisions with Garbage Trucks

The most effective way to avoid a sanitation truck crash is by following safe driving practices similar to those used to prevent any type of motor vehicle accident. Defensive driving is key, along with these specific actions:

• Drive at an appropriate speed
• Be prepared for sudden stops when driving behind a garbage truck
• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the sanitation truck
• Avoid passing a garbage truck unless the driver acknowledges you and signals that it is safe to pass

Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers valuable resources on preventing injuries and fatalities related to crashes involving sanitation vehicles.

Difference Between Public Agencies and Private Companies

Dump trucks fall into a unique category of large vehicles due to specific safety concerns and since they may be either owned by a private company or a public entity, such as state agencies, counties, and cities. These factors may affect the complexity of seeking compensation in a personal injury case for a Las Vegas garbage truck accident. When a dump truck is owned by a government agency, the process for seeking damages is typically different from that of a private company.

Depending on the truck's owner, liability may be shared between the driver and the owner, or one party could be solely responsible. Additionally, the insurance coverage for the dump truck can vary based on ownership, which might affect the amount of compensation available for a claim. While the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Nevada is typically two years from the date of loss, the timeframe is shorter for claims against public agencies. The deadline for a notice of claim against a government entity for an accident, such as a garbage truck crash, is 180 days.

Safety Issues Surrounding Sanitation Truck Collisions

Given the potential dangers associated with garbage trucks, drivers and operators must complete extensive safety training. Nonetheless, if the operator fails to follow safety protocols, both the driver and the company may be held liable for any resulting damages. Additionally, the truck might be defective due to insufficient maintenance, manufacturing issues, or design flaws. In cases of design defects, the truck manufacturer may be held responsible in a product liability claim, whereas poor maintenance might shift liability to the operating company.

After a garbage truck accident in Las Vegas, it is important for an injured party to determine the exact cause of the incident to seek appropriate compensation. There are numerous ways you may suffer injuries in a sanitation truck collision. If you find yourself affected by such an incident, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Nevada is essential to protect your rights and explore your options for obtaining compensation for your losses. At our law firm, we offer free case reviews. Give us a call or fill out an online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.

Contact a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Serving Las Vegas

Collisions with large vehicles, whether you are riding a bicycle, walking, or in a car, are likely to result in traumatic injuries. It is important to protect your rights if you are injured by a dump truck or any other large vehicle, as these situations can be quite complex due to the rules and regulations involved. After a dump truck crash, you need a skilled Las Vegas garbage truck accident attorney on your side. Call us for a free consultation at (702) 600-3200. We proudly serve clients in Clark County and throughout Nevada.