If you’ve been hit by a garbage truck in Los Angeles, you’re probably facing more than just a damaged car. These accidents can change your day, your health, even your ability to work.
Garbage truck drivers work tight routes on narrow streets. Accidents happen fast and the damage is often serious. These trucks are big, heavy, and hard to stop. When they crash, the injuries can be severe.
You may be wondering who’s responsible. The driver? The trucking company? A city contractor? These cases can get complicated, especially when public agencies are involved. There are special rules and deadlines for claims, especially when government vehicles are part of the crash.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles know how to take on big insurers and city agencies. We’ve handled truck accident claims across the city from Highland Park to the Westside and we know how to build a strong case from day one.
We’ll help you figure out what happened, who’s at fault, and what you’re owed. Our team looks at company records, truck maintenance logs, and FMCSA safety violations. We act fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
We offer a free consultation and there’s No Fee Unless We Win. If you’ve been injured in a garbage truck crash, talk to a Los Angeles garbage truck accident lawyer today. You don’t have to deal with this on your own.
Why Garbage Truck Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
Garbage trucks are huge, hard to stop, and harder to see around. In Los Angeles, these trucks roll through busy intersections, tight alleyways, and packed residential streets often before the sun comes up.
That mix of size, early hours, and limited visibility makes them different from other vehicles. A typical garbage truck weighs up to 64,000 pounds when full. It only takes a second of misjudgment for serious injuries to happen especially to pedestrians, cyclists, or people driving smaller passenger vehicles.
In fact, more than 1,400 garbage truck crashes cause injuries each year in the U.S. And in a city like Los Angeles, with more than 3.8 million residents and constant traffic, the risk is even higher. Whether it’s near Downtown LA or a quieter street in Echo Park, these accidents happen all over the city.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Most garbage truck accidents don’t happen by chance. There’s usually a clear cause and it’s often preventable. Knowing what went wrong is key to figuring out who should pay.
- Driver-related:
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- Fatigue from early starts or long shifts
- Distracted or reckless operation
- Inexperience or poor training
- Vehicle-related:
- Brake failures, hydraulic leaks
- Poorly maintained backup alarms or lights
- Environment-related:
- Narrow LA streets and tight alleys
- Blind spots near schools and apartment complexes
Garbage trucks move through every neighborhood, from Hollywood to Highland Park. That puts them in close contact with pedestrians, parked cars, and other vehicles. And because many are city-operated, the legal process can be more complex. Knowing who’s responsible is the first step toward financial recovery.
What To Do After a Garbage Truck Crash
Even small decisions after a crash can affect your claim. If you’re injured in a garbage truck accident, here’s what matters most:
1. Call 911 and get medical help
Your health comes first. If you’re hurt, get treatment right away even if it seems minor. Some injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away.
2. Take photos and gather witness info
Photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles can help build your personal injury claim. Try to get contact details from anyone who saw the crash.
3. Don’t speak to insurance or waste haulers
The insurance company whether it’s for the trucking company or the city might reach out early. They’ll sound helpful, but their job is to save money, not pay you fairly.
4. Talk to a lawyer before filing a claim
A personal injury attorney can explain your options and protect your rights. With truck accident injuries, things move fast especially when a public agency is involved. An experienced truck crash attorney can take over communication and start gathering evidence before it disappears.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident?
When a garbage truck hits you, the first question is: who's responsible? It’s not always just the driver. Sometimes it's the garbage company, the truck manufacturer, or even a contractor that didn’t do proper maintenance.
In Los Angeles, city-run trucks fall under LA Sanitation (LASAN), while many neighborhoods are served by private haulers. Either way, different rules apply especially if a government agency is involved.
If it’s a public vehicle, the California Government Claims Act gives you just 6 months to file. For private companies, you generally have 2 years. Missing the deadline can mean losing the chance to recover anything at all.
That’s why figuring out the responsible party fast is so important. Whether the accident was caused by poor training, faulty brakes, or a distracted temp driver, we help you find the truth and hold the right people accountable.
Common Injuries Caused by Garbage Truck Accidents
Accidents with garbage trucks are rarely minor. These trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds and don’t stop easily. When they hit, they hit hard. The injuries can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from and some never fully heal.
- Head trauma or TBI
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Crushed limbs, fractures, amputations
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Wrongful death cases
Truck crash injuries affect every part of life from walking and working to basic daily tasks. And in some cases, families are left dealing with the loss of someone they love. A garbage truck accident lawyer can help make sure the full impact is part of your accident claim.
Damages You Can Recover After a Garbage Truck Accident
When a crash changes your life, the law gives you a chance to ask for fair compensation. This isn’t just about what you’ve paid so far it’s also about the future.
- Medical bills, including surgery and long-term rehab
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income
- Pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Damage to your vehicle or other property
- Wrongful death costs: funeral expenses and support for surviving family
If a garbage company or driver failed in their duty of care, they should be held responsible. A truck accident claim is about more than the injury it's about recovering from everything that came after.
An experienced attorney can show how much your case is really worth, using medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of negligence. Many victims don’t realize how much they’re entitled to until they speak to someone who’s handled these cases before.
Why Choose a Top Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you’re dealing with injuries from a garbage truck accident, who you hire matters. Not every law firm understands how these cases work especially when the truck belongs to the city or a large disposal company.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve handled garbage truck injury claims across Southern California. We know how to approach both public agencies and private haulers. These cases aren’t just about crashes they’re about contracts, traffic laws, and holding the right parties accountable.
We understand how commercial trucks operate in residential neighborhoods, and how small mistakes like distracted driving or improper loading can lead to catastrophic injuries. We’ve taken on everything from Loader Garbage Trucks to waste recycling truck accidents, always focused on helping our clients recover the financial compensation they need.
You don’t pay us anything unless we win. That means we only take on claims we believe in, and we fight for the best result every time.
Major Waste Companies Operating in Los Angeles
Los Angeles contracts with both public and private waste companies. Each one has different drivers, routes, and procedures and knowing how they operate can help your case.
- Waste Management, Inc.
- Republic Services
- Athens Services
- CalMet Services
- City of Los Angeles (LASAN)
Our firm has experience dealing with many of these operators. Whether the truck was picking up trash downtown or collecting green waste in the Valley, we look at their history, safety records, and internal procedures to support your case.
When a commercial vehicle accident involves a garbage truck, understanding the company’s policies can be just as important as the accident itself.
FAQs About Garbage Truck Accident Claims
Can I sue the city if I was hit by a government garbage truck?
Yes. But suing a city like Los Angeles isn’t the same as going after a private company. The rules are different, and so is the timeline. If your crash involved a los angeles trash truck operated by a city crew, you only have 6 months to file a claim. Missing that window could mean giving up your right to ask for compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
It depends on who was responsible. If the truck belongs to a private waste hauler, like Republic Services or Waste Management, you usually have 2 years. For city trucks, the deadline is just 6 months. Either way, it’s smart to speak to a lawyer early. The more time they have to collect records and prove negligence, the stronger your case will be.
Do garbage truck accidents often go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle before trial, especially if the facts are clear and the injuries are serious. But sometimes the city or a commercial truck company refuses to take responsibility. When that happens, going to court may be the only way to get fair compensation. A good garbage truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles will be ready for either option.
Talk to a Los Angeles Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a garbage truck, don’t wait to get help. Your next step could affect your health, your finances, and your future.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we know how these cases work from accidents involving city trash trucks to crashes with national waste companies. We’ll help you understand your rights, figure out who’s responsible, and demand the full compensation you deserve.
The call is free. You don’t pay us anything unless we win. That’s our no-win, no-fee promise.
Get your free case review today and find out how we can help you move forward.
