You were just going about your day driving to work, crossing the street, or riding your bike when out of nowhere, a garbage truck slammed into you. Now, you're left dealing with pain, medical bills, lost wages, and a lot of unanswered questions.
- Who’s responsible for this? The driver? The city? A private waste company?
- How do I deal with their insurance? They’re already giving me the runaround.
- What if I can’t work? My bills aren’t going to pay themselves.
Garbage truck accidents are different from regular car crashes. These trucks are huge, heavy, and hard to stop. They have massive blind spots and make frequent, unpredictable stops especially in residential neighborhoods. And when they hit a person, a bike, or a smaller vehicle, the results can be devastating.
That’s where we come in. As Burbank Truck Accident Lawyers, we help people like you get the medical care, financial support, and justice they deserve after a serious accident.
Garbage Truck Accidents Happen More Often Than You Think
Most people don’t realize how dangerous garbage trucks are until it happens to them. According to the National Safety Council, large truck accidents including garbage trucks killed over 5,900 people in 2022. Many of these crashes involved pedestrians, cyclists, or people in smaller vehicles who didn’t stand a chance.
And in Burbank, the risk is even higher. Tight streets, early morning collection times, and distracted drivers create the perfect storm for serious accidents.
You Don’t Have to Deal with This Alone
If you or a loved one has been hit by a garbage truck in Burbank, you don’t have time to waste. The city and waste companies have lawyers working to protect them you need someone fighting for you.
Get a Free Consultation - No Fee Unless We Win! Call now and let’s talk about your case.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents in Burbank
You’ve probably seen it yourself a garbage truck making sudden stops, reversing down a narrow street, or turning sharply at an intersection. These trucks operate differently than regular vehicles, which makes them dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
One of the biggest risks? Blind spots. A garbage truck has huge areas where the driver simply can’t see. If a cyclist or pedestrian is in that space, the consequences can be deadly.
Another common cause? Driver fatigue. Many garbage truck drivers start their shifts before sunrise, collecting trash for hours without breaks. Fatigue slows reaction times, making rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and rollovers more likely.
And then there’s poor maintenance. Cities and private waste companies don’t always keep their trucks in top shape. Faulty brakes, worn tires, and hydraulic failures can cause serious trucking accidents.
If you’ve been in a garbage truck accident caused by driver negligence, poor truck maintenance, or unsafe city policies, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. A Burbank garbage truck accident lawyer can help you figure out who’s responsible and hold them accountable.
Why Garbage Truck Accidents Are Often Catastrophic
A garbage truck isn’t just a bigger version of a regular truck. It’s 20 to 50 times heavier than a passenger car which means when it hits something, the damage is extreme.
Most truck accident victims suffer severe injuries because these trucks don’t stop quickly. Their slow braking distance means even a minor mistake can turn into a high-impact collision.
Pedestrians and cyclists are at high risk in a waste recycling truck accident. A garbage truck making a turn might not see someone in the crosswalk until it’s too late.
And let’s not forget the cargo. Garbage trucks carry more than just trash. They can be hauling hazardous materials, sharp debris, or unstable loads all of which increase the likelihood of injuries in a crash.
If you or a loved one was involved in a garbage truck accident, you could be facing spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, or even wrongful death.
That’s why it’s important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. We help injured parties get the medical care, financial compensation, and justice they need to move forward.
Don’t wait. There’s a time limit on filing a truck accident lawsuit. Contact a Burbank truck accident law firm today to discuss your legal options.
Who Is Liable for Garbage Truck Accidents?
Garbage truck accidents aren’t as simple as fender-benders. When a crash happens, who’s responsible isn’t always clear. It could be the driver, the company they work for, or even the city if it’s a municipal truck. And no one wants to admit fault.
If you were injured in a garbage truck accident, figuring out who’s liable is the first step to getting compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common responsible parties:
Driver Negligence
Garbage truck drivers work long shifts, often in busy streets where they have to stop and start constantly. But that doesn’t excuse reckless behavior. Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or running red lights are all common causes of crashes.
For example, if a garbage truck driver was texting and rear-ended your car, they could be held personally responsible for the accident.
Garbage Collection Companies
When private waste management companies fail to properly train, screen, or supervise their drivers, they put everyone on the road at risk. If a company hires an unqualified driver or ignores safety violations, they can—and should—be held accountable.
Let’s say a waste company knew a driver had multiple past accidents but still kept them behind the wheel. If that driver later hit your vehicle, the company could be on the hook for your damages.
Cities and Municipalities
Many garbage trucks are operated by city or county waste management services. If poor vehicle maintenance, ignored safety inspections, or bad training programs contributed to the accident, the city could be responsible.
But suing the government comes with special rules and tight deadlines. If you need to file a claim against the city of Burbank, you don’t have much time.
Truck Manufacturers
If a garbage truck malfunctions due to a brake failure, steering defect, or other mechanical issue, the company that made or maintained the truck could be held responsible. A defective truck is just as dangerous as a reckless driver.
Employer Liability vs. Driver Negligence
Who’s at fault—the driver or their employer?
It depends. If a garbage truck driver was speeding or ran a stop sign, they might be personally responsible for the crash. But if the trucking company failed to train the driver, ignored past safety violations, or didn’t properly maintain the truck, the company may be liable under vicarious liability laws.
For example, if a driver was drinking on the job, they could be personally liable. But if the waste management company knew the driver had a history of DUI arrests and still hired them, the company could also be held responsible.
Holding the right parties accountable can make a big difference in the amount of compensation you receive.
Municipal vs. Private Sanitation Trucks Liability
If you’re in an accident with a municipal garbage truck, the process is different than suing a private company.
Suing the Government
Cities and counties often have legal protections that make it harder to sue them. This is called sovereign immunity. But in California, you can file a claim against a city for negligence—you just have to act fast. The time limit for filing a claim against a government entity is much shorter than a regular personal injury case.
Suing a Private Waste Company
If a privately owned garbage truck hit you, the process is more like a typical truck accident lawsuit. The company’s insurance is usually responsible for paying damages. However, big waste companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. That’s why having an experienced truck accident lawyer is so important.
Common Injuries Caused by Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks are massive. That means when they hit a car, a bike, or a pedestrian, the injuries are usually severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are common in high-impact trucking accidents. A concussion might heal in weeks, but a severe brain injury can cause memory loss, speech problems, or permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Garbage truck crashes often lead to herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis. Even a seemingly minor back injury can lead to chronic pain and expensive medical treatment.
Fractures and Amputations
People involved in garbage truck crashes frequently suffer broken bones, crushed limbs, or amputations. These injuries can take months to heal—and some victims never fully recover.
Wrongful Death
When a garbage truck accident is fatal, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. No amount of money can replace a loved one, but holding the responsible party accountable can help provide financial stability.
Steps to Take After a Garbage Truck Accident
If you’ve been in an accident with a garbage truck, what you do next matters.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, some injuries take hours or days to appear. A doctor’s report is also crucial evidence in your case.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of your injuries, the crash site, and any damage. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
Contact a Garbage Truck Accident Attorney
Insurance companies will try to settle fast and for as little as possible. Speaking with a lawyer first ensures you get the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Understanding Garbage Truck Accident Settlements
After a garbage truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. But how much you get depends on several factors.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts
- Medical costs - both current and future expenses
- Lost income - if you’re unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering - physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Insurance policy limits - whether the liable party has enough coverage
Every case is different, but larger trucking companies and city governments typically have high-limit insurance policies. This means a well-documented case can result in a substantial settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sue the city if a garbage truck hits my car?
Yes, but suing the city is different from suing a private company. Cities have legal protections that make the process more complicated. However, if a municipal garbage truck driver was negligent ran a red light, was speeding, or wasn’t paying attention you may have a case.
There’s also a strict deadline to file a claim against the city. In California, you usually have six months to file a notice of claim. If you miss this window, you might lose your chance to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can help you determine if you have a case and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
How much compensation can I receive?
The amount depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries - A catastrophic injury like a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury will typically result in higher compensation.
- Medical expenses and future care costs - This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity - If you can’t work temporarily or permanently, you can recover compensation for lost wages.
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish -Non-economic damages like emotional distress and the impact the accident has on your life.
Settlements in commercial truck accidents can vary widely, but serious cases often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Our firm will fight to get you fair compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, you don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.
This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal claims, insurance companies, and trucking companies accountable for your injuries. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
The deadline depends on who was at fault.
- If a private truck company is responsible, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- If a government entity (like the City of Burbank) is responsible, you only have six months to file a claim.
Waiting too long could mean losing your right to compensation. If you’re unsure about the time limit for your case, contact us for a free initial consultation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Even if you were partially responsible, you might still be able to recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence law. This means your settlement could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, and your total damages were $100,000, you would still be able to recover $80,000.
Insurance companies love to shift blame to accident victims. Our team fights back to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Burbank Truck Accident Law Firm?
With over 20 years of experience, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti focuses on truck accident litigation involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, tow trucks, construction trucks, cement trucks, and garbage trucks.
Our team understands the trucking industry, trucking laws, and how insurance companies try to minimize payouts. We handle complex cases, from T-bone crashes to rollover accidents, and fight to hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners on driver training, truck maintenance, and safety regulations.
We know how to take on big insurance carriers and win.
Hiring a lawyer shouldn’t add to your stress. That’s why we work on a contingency basis you only pay if we win your case.
That means no upfront fees, no out-of-pocket costs, and no risk. If we take your case, we believe in it.
Contact Our Garbage Truck Accident Attorney in Burbank Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a garbage truck accident, don’t wait. The sooner we start investigating, the better your chances of recovering the maximum compensation.
Free Case Review – Call Now!
Call (626) 793-8607, email us, or start a live chat on our website.
Don’t delay - claims against the city have short deadlines! Let’s discuss your case today.
