Long Beach Garbage Truck Accident Attorney
Garbage trucks pose a threat in Long Beach, particularly to residential communities. However, receiving compensation for your damages in a garbage truck accident can be challenging. The Long Beach truck accident lawyers at Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP are passionate about handling the challenges garbage truck accidents present. Speak with a Long Beach garbage truck accident attorney with our firm to discuss your injuries and compensation.
Do California Laws for Operating a Garbage Truck Differ From Other Vehicles?
Garbage truck operators are exempt from specific laws that apply to other drivers. The exemptions apply when a driver operates a garbage truck to collect rubbish or refuse. You may find them in these spaces in Long Beach where other vehicles cannot legally operate:
- Remaining stationary in the loading and unloading zones
- Stopping in bicycle lanes
- Parking in areas where other vehicles cannot park
- Stopping on curbs and in roadways
- Maneuvering in opposite lanes
- Stopping and parking behind rows of automobiles
During waste pick up, garbage trucks should have front turn and rear signal lamps flashing. The exemptions for garbage truck drivers do not apply when drivers are going to and from work. More specifically, this law states that garbage truck drivers still owe other drivers a duty of care when operating a garbage or refuse truck.
Who is Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident in Long Beach?
Insurance providers and legal representatives for waste management companies work diligently to protect their clients. Proving a driver is liable for a garbage truck accident while collecting waste or refuse will require substantial evidence that can be challenging to obtain. Our garbage truck accident attorneys in Long Beach understand the laws that apply to these accidents and the significance of carefully documenting these cases.
What Dangers Do Garbage Trucks Present to Drivers?
The size of garbage trucks can make navigating around a parked or sitting truck challenging. Their size may also limit visibility, preventing you from observing oncoming traffic. Additionally, their weight can lead to increased injuries when an accident occurs with smaller vehicles.
Garbage truck drivers may make unsafe maneuvers due to blind spots. Stopping in bicycle lanes creates safety concerns for bicyclists. Evidence collection at the scene of a garbage truck accident plays a crucial role in filing auto or bicycle accident claims in Long Beach.
What Are Common Types of Long Beach Garbage Truck Accidents?
The unpredictability of garbage truck operations increases driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist vulnerability to accidents. Because exceptions exist to where garbage trucks may operate, other drivers may not accurately judge where a garbage truck will go. Common types of garbage truck accidents in Long Beach include:
- Backup accidents
- Blocked roadway incidents
- Sideswipe accidents due to wide turns
- Rear-end accidents
- Limited visibility accidents
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
Garbage trucks are often on the roads in the early morning hours when visibility decreases. Garbage collection companies are responsible for maintaining their trucks, ensuring the lights are working, backup alarms are audible, and any necessary cameras are functional. An accident attorney in Long Beach with our firm will diligently work to prove that a waste collection company is liable for your injuries when improper maintenance leads to an accident.
Discuss Your Damages From a Garbage Truck Accident in Long Beach
Long Beach garbage truck accidents can lead to severe injuries. Recovering your damages may be possible, allowing you to financially rebound from the hardship you or someone you care for is experiencing. Schedule a free case evaluation with a Long Beach garbage truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.