In a busy city like Boston, where there’s a blend of residential areas and bustling public spaces, garbage trucks pose a significant risk to all road users—drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Garbage trucks navigate narrow streets, busy intersections and residential neighborhoods, often in the early morning hours.
If you’ve been involved in a garbage truck accident, having a skilled lawyer on your side can make all the difference in ensuring you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
When you get into an accident with a garbage truck, dealing with insurance companies, proving fault and ensuring you get the settlement you deserve can be overwhelming. A skilled lawyer specializing in garbage truck accidents can help guide you through the process. They have the expertise to investigate the incident thoroughly, gather essential evidence and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Trying to handle this alone can lead to missed opportunities and possibly lower compensation. A lawyer helps ensure you’re treated fairly and never taken advantage of.
Garbage trucks typically work in residential neighborhoods, often in the early hours of the morning. This can make accidents more likely, as these trucks drive through streets that are still dark and less crowded.
The combination of low lighting, driver fatigue and the unpredictable activities of early morning commuters can create a perfect storm for accidents. At this hour, pedestrians may still be out for a morning jog, cyclists are commuting and many cars are still parked along the street. These factors all heighten the risk of a collision.
Garbage truck collisions can lead to some of the most severe injuries, given the size and weight of these vehicles. The force of an impact with a garbage truck can cause life-altering consequences, physically and emotionally. It’s important to understand that the severity of the injuries can vary, but all injured people deserve compassionate legal assistance to seek the compensation they need for their recovery.
The most common injuries sustained in a garbage truck accident in Boston include:
These injuries can drastically alter a person’s daily life, making even simple tasks difficult or impossible. Additionally, the financial strain from ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages can take an emotional toll. A Boston accident lawyer can help connect injured individuals to resources for support as they work toward securing the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been in an accident with a garbage truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the claims process and knowing what type of damages you can seek is important to getting the justice and financial support you deserve.
Start by documenting everything related to the accident. This includes taking photos or videos of the accident scene, any damage to your vehicle and injuries you sustained. You should also gather medical records, including doctor’s notes and treatment plans, as well as records of property damage. These pieces of evidence are essential when filing a claim and can significantly strengthen your case.
Determining fault in Boston garbage truck accidents can be complicated. Both the truck driver and the waste management company could be at fault, or it may not be immediately clear what caused the accident. An accident lawyer can help investigate and uncover the truth. They’ll work to determine whether the driver was negligent, whether the company failed to maintain the truck properly or if other factors contributed to the incident.
In addition to proving fault, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, which include:
A garbage truck accident lawyer can help you understand what type of compensation to seek and guide you through the entire process to ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including garbage truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party for the injuries you’ve sustained.
However, if you plan to file a lawsuit against the Boston Public Works Department or another government agency, you must notify the municipality of your claim within 2 years from the date of the accident. This notification must be formal and follow strict guidelines, and if not properly filed, you could lose your right to pursue the case.
Working with an experienced lawyer ensures that you follow all the necessary procedures, meet critical deadlines and build a strong claim.
At Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, we understand the toll a large truck accident can take on your life, and we’re committed to fighting for the justice you deserve. Our goal is to provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time and secure the compensation that will help you recover, both financially and emotionally.
If you’ve been injured in a garbage truck accident in Boston, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and how we can work together to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.