Garbage trucks are a constant presence on residential streets, commercial corridors, and highways throughout Washington State. They are also among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Their size, weight, frequent stops, and limited visibility create serious hazards for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. When a garbage truck accident occurs, the injuries are often severe and the liable parties are not always obvious.
We represent victims of garbage truck accidents throughout Washington State, pursuing every dollar of compensation available under the law. If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with a garbage truck or sanitation vehicle, we are ready to fight for you.
Garbage trucks operate differently from other commercial vehicles, and that creates unique dangers. Common causes of garbage truck accidents include:
Backing up without adequate warning or visibility
Striking pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles during collection routes
Debris falling from unsecured loads
Driver fatigue from early morning routes and long shifts
Distracted or inattentive driving during repetitive stop-and-go routes
Poorly maintained vehicles and equipment failures
Obstructed sightlines due to the size and design of the vehicle
The weight and size of a fully loaded garbage truck can exceed 64,000 pounds. When these vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences for victims are often life-altering. Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Crush injuries and amputations
Severe bone fractures
Internal organ damage
Wrongful death
The financial impact can be just as devastating. Medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation, and lost income accumulate rapidly, and many victims are left unable to return to work. We fight to recover compensation for every dimension of that loss.
Garbage truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties, and identifying all of them requires immediate investigation. Responsible parties may include:
The garbage truck driver
The waste management or sanitation company
A municipal government or public agency
Vehicle maintenance providers
Truck or equipment manufacturers
Cases involving government-owned or municipally operated garbage trucks carry additional legal complexities, including strict filing deadlines that differ from standard personal injury claims. If a government entity is involved in your accident, it is critical that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.
When you hire Le & Kittleson, you're backed by a legal team with deep roots in Washington personal injury law. Our attorneys bring decades of combined courtroom and negotiation experience across traumatic brain injury, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith. Fighting hard to get you the results you deserve.
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