Garbage Truck Accident Attorney in Houston
Garbage trucks can cause devastating injuries in a crash, and victims deserve justice. If you were hurt in a collision with a City of Houston garbage truck or another waste collection vehicle, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is ready to fight for you. Our experienced Houston truck accident attorneys handle everything—from investigating the accident and identifying liable parties to preparing your claim and representing you in court.
- Proven Results: Over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements won for our clients.
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Client-Centered Approach: Here’s what one client had to say:
Get Your Free Consultation Today! Call now or complete our online contact form to speak with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer who can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Houston
- Driver Fatigue: Long shifts and early morning routes often leave garbage truck drivers exhausted, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Checking route schedules, phone use, or talking with co-workers can cause a driver to miss hazards.
- Speeding & Reckless Driving: Rushing to finish a route can lead to dangerous behaviors like running stop signs and making unsafe turns.
- Blind Spot Negligence: Garbage trucks have large blind spots, making it crucial for drivers to check before merging, turning, or passing.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Worn brakes, faulty steering, and broken lights can turn a garbage truck into a serious road hazard.
- Overloaded or Unbalanced Trucks: Improperly loaded garbage trucks are harder to control and prone to rollovers.
- Lack of Proper Training: Drivers who aren’t properly trained on safe operations, blind spots, and maneuvering in tight spaces put everyone at risk.
- Defective Truck Parts: Faulty brakes, malfunctioning hydraulics, and engine defects can all contribute to a catastrophic accident.
If you were injured due to one of these causes, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs will thoroughly investigate your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Serious Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents
Due to their size and weight, garbage trucks can cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A garbage truck’s size and weight make head injuries common in crashes. Victims may suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma, depending on the severity and angle of the crash.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – High-impact collisions can damage the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of mobility. Spinal cord injuries are more common in rear-end and side-impact crashes because victims’ spines are more exposed to the full impact force.
- Broken Bones – The force of a garbage truck accident can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Victims may also suffer bone fractures if their body strikes the car’s steering wheel or interior.
- Crush Injuries – If a garbage truck runs over a person or a smaller vehicle, the extreme weight can cause severe tissue damage, amputations, or other catastrophic injuries.
- Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma from a collision can rupture organs like the liver or spleen, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Severe Lacerations and Road Rash – Broken glass, metal debris, or being thrown from a vehicle can cause deep cuts and abrasions. In many cases, these injuries result in permanent scarring.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Sudden stops or impacts from a garbage truck accident can strain the neck muscles and ligaments, leading to long-term pain and limited mobility.
- Psychological Trauma – Survivors of garbage truck accidents may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression after a violent crash, requiring therapy and long-term support.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a garbage truck accident, you need an attorney who understands how to fight for full compensation.
Who Is Liable in a Garbage Truck Crash?
Who’s liable for a garbage truck accident in Houston depends on the facts of the case, including the operator’s actions, their employer’s policies, worn vehicle components, and other factors. The legal process for garbage truck accident cases can be complicated since multiple parties are often responsible. Some potentially liable parties in these cases include:
- The Garbage Truck Driver – A garbage truck driver may be liable for a crash if their negligent actions (speeding, distracted driving, ignoring traffic laws) caused it.
- Private Waste Management Companies – If a private company owns the truck, it could be responsible for negligent hiring, poor training, or improper vehicle maintenance.
- Government Agencies – When a city or county manages garbage collection operations, the local government may be liable if poor training, unsafe policies, or improper vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident.
- Truck Manufacturers – If a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning hydraulic system, played a role in the crash, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Maintenance Companies – Third-party companies responsible for servicing garbage trucks may be liable if they failed to inspect, repair, or replace worn-out parts that contributed to the accident.
Holding the right parties accountable is critical to maximizing your compensation. Let our legal team take care of the complexities while you focus on recovery.
What to Do After a Garbage Truck Accident?
After you call the police and seek medical attention, follow these steps after a garbage truck accident to protect your rights:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up medical treatments.
- Save your medical records and receipts for proof of your injuries and economic losses.
- Report the crash to your car insurance company, but don’t speculate about fault or give a recorded statement.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than a lawyer, particularly on social media.
- Contact a Houston garbage truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Why Choose Our Houston Accident Lawyers?
When you’re facing a legal battle after a garbage truck accident, experience matters. Here’s why Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is the best choice for your case:
- Proven Success – Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims.
- Board-Certified Attorneys – Specialists in personal injury and civil trial law.
- Decades of Experience – A legacy of legal excellence and client-focused advocacy.
- No Fees Unless We Win – You don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
- Houston-Based & Ready to Fight for You – We understand local laws and how to navigate Texas courts.
Speak with a Houston Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Today
A garbage truck accident can be life-altering, but you don’t have to face this alone. If you’ve been injured in a waste management truck crash in Houston, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced Houston truck accident lawyer.