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South Carolina Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers
We’re here to help when you’re injured in an accident with a garbage truck in South Carolina
Garbage trucks play an important role in keeping South Carolina’s neighborhoods clean. These large, heavy vehicles travel residential streets and highways daily to haul away waste, creating a unique hazard on the road. When accidents involving garbage trucks occur, the consequences include serious injuries, property damage, or even fatalities.
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How Can We Help?
- What risks are posed by garbage trucks?
- What are the common causes of South Carolina garbage truck accidents?
- What are common injuries in South Carolina garbage truck accidents?
- Who is liable for a South Carolina garbage truck accident?
- What steps should I take after a South Carolina garbage truck accident?
- How can your South Carolina garbage truck accident lawyers help with my case?
- What is the value of my South Carolina garbage truck accident?
- Do you have a South Carolina garbage truck accident lawyer near me?
What risks are posed by garbage trucks?
Garbage trucks can weigh up to 60,000 pounds. Their size and design make them unwieldy and limit visibility while also making it difficult for them to stop quickly in an emergency. At the same time, they are operating in residential areas full of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. All of these factors increase the risk of accidents.
Some of the unique risks posed by garbage trucks include:
- Garbage trucks make frequent stops, often without sufficient warning to surrounding vehicles.
- These trucks' blind spots can block drivers' views of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- A fully loaded garbage truck is much harder to stop or maneuver than a standard vehicle.
- Many garbage trucks operate early in the morning or late at night when visibility is poor and drivers may be tired.
What are the common causes of South Carolina garbage truck accidents?
Garbage truck accidents can result from a variety of factors. Some are due to driver error, while others stem from mechanical failures or external circumstances. Below are some of the most common causes.
Garbage truck drivers work under tight schedules and often face pressure to complete routes quickly, leading to reckless or negligent behavior, such as:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Driving while distracted
- Failing to check blind spots
Garbage trucks are subject to significant wear and tear due to their size, weight, and daily operation. If not properly maintained, these vehicles can experience mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or hydraulic system issues.
Improperly secured garbage or debris can spill onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.
South Carolina’s diverse terrain and weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can exacerbate the risks posed by garbage trucks.
Garbage trucks frequently operate in neighborhoods and urban areas, where pedestrians and cyclists are at a higher risk of being struck due to the truck's limited visibility and frequent stops.
What are common injuries in South Carolina garbage truck accidents?
Due to the sheer size and weight of garbage trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur from head impacts during collisions.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- The force of a collision can cause multiple fractures of bones.
- Damage to internal organs can occur from blunt-force trauma.
- Flying debris or exposure to hazardous materials can cause serious wounds.
- Sadly, some garbage truck accidents result in loss of life.
Who is liable for a South Carolina garbage truck accident?
Determining liability in a garbage truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Some of the key parties that may be held accountable include:
- A driver who is negligent and causes an accident, such as by distracted driving or speeding.
- Sanitation companies, who are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing adequate training, and maintaining their fleet of trucks. If they fail in any of these areas, they may be held accountable.
- Government entities, if the garbage truck is operated by a municipal or county agency. However, claims against government entities often involve additional legal hurdles, such as shorter filing deadlines and specific procedural requirements. Our South Carolina truck accident attorneys can explain more about this.
- Manufacturers, if a defect in the truck or one of its parts contributed to the accident. It’s sometimes possible to hold manufacturers liable under product liability laws.
What steps should I take after a South Carolina garbage truck accident?
If you’re involved in an accident with a garbage truck, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional.
- Call the police. A police report can preserve critical information about your case.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any visible damage.
- Gather information. Collect information from the driver and witnesses, including contact details, names and places of employment.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer.
A South Carolina garbage truck accident lawyer can talk you through all of these steps and offer advice to help protect your claim.
How can your South Carolina garbage truck accident lawyers help with my case?
Garbage truck accident cases are often more complex than standard car accident claims. Here’s how our attorneys can help:
- Gathering evidence, such as maintenance records, driver logs, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case.
- Identifying all responsible parties ensures you pursue maximum compensation.
- If a government entity is involved, we can help you meet the additional requirements for filing a claim.
- Handling communications and negotiations to secure a fair settlement.
- If necessary, we’re always prepared to take your case to trial.
What is the value of my South Carolina garbage truck accident?
If you are injured in a South Carolina garbage truck accident, you may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, which cover current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost wages, which reimburse for income lost due to missed work.
- Pain and suffering, which compensates for your physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage, which covers repair or replacement of your vehicle.
If a loved one was killed in the accident, compensation may be available for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Do you have a South Carolina garbage truck accident lawyer near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Experienced South Carolina garbage truck accident attorneys on your side
If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident in South Carolina, don’t wait to take action. These cases can be complex, but with the help of our experienced garbage truck accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC, you can seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, losses, and pain. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery—we’re here to help every step of the way. To schedule your free consultation, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.