Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys Ready to Represent Victims of Garbage Truck Actions in Hackensack and Throughout NJ

If you or a family member sustained injuries because of a garbage truck, you should reach out to an experienced team of New Jersey garbage truck accident lawyers. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.C., our dedicated attorneys are ready to advocate on your behalf to pursue the most compensation available in your claim.

Large trucks pose several risks because they are so much bigger than other vehicles on the road. These trucks can also be a challenge to maneuver but must frequently operate on more minor roads in residential neighborhoods. Garbage trucks also need to stop often on their routes, leading to other possible risks. 

Garbage trucks carry hazardous waste, leading to more complex and dangerous incidents as well. These collisions might happen because the truck company is negligent in training drivers or maintaining the vehicles or because the driver engages in negligent behaviors behind the wheel.

Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help you and your family following a crash with a garbage truck. You need to focus on healing. Let us work on building a strategy for your claim.

Why Do Garbage Truck Crashes Happen?

Garbage truck accidents share similarities with other truck accidents and car crashes. Some common reasons for these events include the following:

  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Driver inexperience
  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Unbalanced truck loads
  • Poor vehicle maintenance

When it comes to garbage truck crashes, another issue is that the vehicles are traveling through residential areas. These routes can lead to tragic results because these massive trucks have large blind spots that pedestrians and cyclists might enter and face severe or even fatal injuries.

Shared Fault in New Jersey Garbage Truck Crashes

In some cases, you might worry that you cannot recover damages because you shared in the liability for the crash that led to your injuries. Luckily, New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. 

Modified comparative negligence means that you can collect damages even when you are partly at fault for your injuries. Some states have pure comparative negligence, which allows you to recover even if you are primarily at fault. However, in New Jersey, you will only be able to recover if you are less than 51 percent at fault. If you are more at fault for the crash, you will not have the ability to collect damages from the other driver. 

If you share liability, the court can lower your damages. First, the court will apportion the liability between you and the garbage truck driver. If you are 40 percent at fault, the court will lower your damages by 40 percent. 

Imagine your case is for $100,000 in damages. If the garbage truck driver is only 60 percent at fault, and you are 40 percent at fault, you would be able to recover $60,000. If you have questions about pursuing damages in a case where you might share liability, speak to one of our dedicated New Jersey garbage truck accident lawyers. 

When a City Owns the Truck

Sometimes a city or municipality will own the local garbage trucks. Claims against government entities are a little different from other lawsuits. The government enjoys certain protections from claims, and there are specific steps to take to file these cases. 

One of the most important things to remember is that you need to notify the government of the claim within 90 days of the accident. The court will likely dismiss your claim if you fail to provide this notification. If you do not know who owns the garbage truck that caused your injuries, you should speak with our New Jersey garbage truck accident lawyers right away. 

How The Trusted New Jersey Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers at Epstein Law Firm Can Help

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. works with clients to hold liable drivers and companies accountable for their actions. Building a lawsuit strategy will involve gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies. We will aggressively pursue settlement options and prepare to take your claim to trial if the insurance company fails to offer a reasonable sum. 

Contact Us Today for a Consultation

Never wait to consult with an attorney about your claim. Speaking to our lawyers does not mean committing to any course of action. Contact the Epstein Law Firm today for a consultation with our dedicated New Jersey Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers to learn more about your ability to file a claim. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Truck Accidents in New Jersey

If a Garbage Truck Injures Me, Is the Company Liable for My Injuries?

If you suffer injuries in a crash with a garbage truck, the business that owns the truck might be liable. Employers are often liable for their employee’s actions because of the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Even if the business did not behave negligently, if the driver did, you would likely be able to pursue a claim against the company rather than the independent driver who caused your injuries.

This ability is essential because the company likely holds more insurance coverage and has more assets than the individual driver. Sometimes the company will be directly liable for your injuries because of their acts of negligence. For instance, if the truck had flaws, and was not well-maintained, then you might be able to pursue action against that company for their failure to take care of the vehicle.

It will be important to discuss the claim and all potential defendants with your New Jersey garbage truck accident lawyers.

Do I Need to Use My PIP Insurance?

State law requires that drivers carry personal injury protection coverage that will assist with medical bills after a car crash regardless of which driver is at fault. However, in severe cases, such as when you suffer permanent injuries, disfigurement, loss of limb, loss of a fetus, or when someone dies, you will have the right to file a claim against a negligent driver for damages.

There is a high risk of severe injuries when it comes to large trucks because these vehicles weigh so much more than most passenger vehicles. Victims should consult with our experienced New Jersey garbage truck accident lawyers to learn their rights in these cases and discuss their claims’ potential value.

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The first thing that comes to mind when I think of The Epstein Law Firm is, “These guys know what they are doing!” Being involved in a lawsuit is emotionally draining. Having a team like them to support you is like having the best captain in uncharted waters. Aside from being my lawyers and doing their job, it felt like they genuinely cared about me and my mental state. No words can ever fully express my gratitude.

Nicholas G.

An outstanding firm with excellent attorneys. If you need a representation, they are definitely the ones to contact.

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