Garbage truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, leaving individuals and families facing immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges. You shouldn’t have to face these hardships alone. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’re not just Chicago garbage truck accident lawyers—we’re advocates, ready to fight for your legal rights and help you secure the compensation you need.
With free consultations available 24/7 and no legal fee unless you win, our team is dedicated to giving you the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Whether you speak English, Spanish, or Polish, our multilingual team can provide the legal assistance you need.
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. For Your Garbage Truck Accident Case?
Choosing the right lawyer after a serious accident can feel overwhelming. But when it comes to pursuing justice in a garbage truck accident case, experience and results matter. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we stand apart for several key reasons:
Proven Track Record of Success
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. On top of that, our attorneys are members of prestigious organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. When you work with us, you can trust you’re in the hands of accomplished professionals who know how to win.
Compassionate Support When You Need It Most
We understand that an accident can turn your life upside down. Your injuries may prevent you from working, while medical expenses pile up. We’re here to lighten your burden. From day one, our team will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve, handling every detail of your case so you can focus on healing.
Multilingual Legal Services
Navigating the legal process after an accident is stressful enough without the added challenge of a language barrier. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we provide legal services in:
- English
- Spanish
- And Polish
We listen to your story, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way, all in the language you’re most comfortable with.
Top Recognition for Legal Excellence
When you hire Abels & Annes, P.C., you’re not just hiring any law firm. Our attorneys have earned accolades such as being named to the Top 100 Lawyer List by Super Lawyers and holding the prestigious 10.0 Superb personal injury lawyer rating from AVVO. These awards reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Focused on Helping You Win
From the moment you contact us, we’ll begin building a strong case. We leave no stone unturned in gathering the evidence you need to prove liability and damages. Whether it’s collecting witness statements, analyzing security camera footage, or consulting with expert witnesses, our team has the resources to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks are massive and essential for keeping Chicago clean, but their size and function also make them dangerous on the road. When these vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating. Understanding the common causes of garbage truck accidents can shed light on how negligence often plays a role.
Driver Negligence
Garbage truck operators are responsible for safely maneuvering their massive vehicles through busy streets. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to meet this responsibility by engaging in reckless behaviors like:
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting controls, or even eating while driving can take a driver’s focus off the road for just a moment—but in that moment, lives can change forever.
- Speeding: Operating a garbage truck at excessive speeds increases stopping distances and makes crashes far more severe.
- Fatigue: Due to long shifts, drivers may become exhausted, impairing their judgment and reaction times.
Improper Maintenance
Garbage trucks are complex machines that require regular upkeep. If a company fails to maintain its fleet properly, mechanical failures can lead to serious accidents. Common maintenance-related issues include:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Faulty hydraulics systems
When companies cut corners on maintenance, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Blind Spots and Poor Visibility
Garbage trucks have significant blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Without proper training or use of safety equipment, drivers may collide with those in their blind spots.
Improper Loading of Waste
When waste or debris is improperly loaded, it can spill onto the roadway, causing hazardous conditions for other drivers and pedestrians. Unbalanced loads can also make these already top-heavy vehicles more prone to tipping over.
Failure to Follow Traffic Rules
Careless maneuvers, such as ignoring traffic signals, failing to yield, or making improper turns, often result in collisions. Garbage truck drivers must follow the rules of the road like everyone else—but not all of them do.
Negligent Hiring or Training
Sometimes, the fault lies not with the driver but with the employer. Companies that hire unqualified drivers or fail to provide proper training contribute to the risk of accidents. A poorly trained driver may lack the skills necessary to safely operate the truck or respond to emergencies.
If one or more of these factors played a role in your accident, you need a truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of garbage truck accident cases. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Types of Injuries in Garbage Truck Accidents
The sheer weight and size of a garbage truck mean that accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries. If you were hurt in a garbage truck accident, you may be facing a long and difficult recovery. You deserve compensation for the harm you’ve endured.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A collision involving a garbage truck can cause head trauma, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can affect memory, cognition, and emotional well-being, often requiring years of treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a garbage truck accident can result in spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Victims with such injuries often require extensive medical care and lifestyle modifications.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Whether caused by the impact of a collision or being struck by a falling object, broken bones are common in garbage truck accidents. Some fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage are life-threatening injuries that can occur due to the sheer force of an accident involving a garbage truck. Immediate medical attention is critical for victims suffering from internal injuries.
Amputations
Severe crush injuries sustained in garbage truck accidents can result in the loss of limbs. Amputation injuries deeply impact victims physically, emotionally, and financially, requiring prosthetics and ongoing care.
Burn Injuries
Fires or explosions in garbage truck crashes can cause burns, leading to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term pain. Burn injuries often require specialized treatment, including skin grafts.
Psychological Trauma
It’s important to recognize that the emotional toll of a severe accident can be just as significant as the physical injuries. Many victims struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression in the aftermath of an accident.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some garbage truck accidents result in fatalities. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, no amount of money can replace them, but you have the right to seek justice on their behalf.
If you’re suffering from any of these injuries, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for full and fair compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Liability in Garbage Truck Accidents
In many garbage truck accidents, liability may be assigned to one or more parties, including:
- The Garbage Truck Driver: Reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield, can lead to devastating accidents. Drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the harm they cause.
- The Garbage Truck Company or Municipality: Employers may share liability if they failed to adequately train drivers, hired unqualified personnel, or neglected essential vehicle maintenance. A company is responsible for ensuring their fleet is safe and their employees are prepared to handle vehicles of this size and power.
- Other Negligent Third Parties: Sometimes, liability extends beyond the driver or company. For example, a manufacturer that supplied faulty parts or another driver on the road who contributed to the accident may share responsibility for the incident.
Our garbage truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your claim to determine the full extent of liability. With our proven methods, including interviewing witnesses, evaluating vehicle damage, and securing expert testimony, we’ll build a strong case to ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable.
How Abels & Annes, P.C. Can Help
When you’re recovering from a garbage truck accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is dealing with insurance companies or navigating legal matters on your own. That’s where Abels & Annes, P.C. comes in. Winning Millions for Our Clients. It’s not just our tagline; it’s a testament to our commitment to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can help:
- Time is of the essence after any accident. Garbage truck companies and their insurers often act quickly to protect their interests. We’ll start building your case right away, collecting critical evidence such as accident records, security footage, black box data, and witness statements.
- No two cases are alike. We’ll develop a personalized approach to suit the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. Our team has successfully handled cases involving garbage truck collisions, recovering millions for clients like you.
- Whether negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company or bringing your case to trial, we’ll fight relentlessly on your behalf. Our record of multi-million-dollar settlements speaks to our skill and determination.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’ll focus on the legal work so that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
Garbage Truck Accident Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing care you may require. We’ll fight to ensure your current and future medical costs are fully covered.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Injuries from a garbage truck accident may leave you unable to work temporarily or permanently. You deserve compensation for lost wages and any reduced earning capacity you may experience due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress you endure as a result of your injuries are significant. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the deeper, personal impact of the accident on your quality of life.
- Disfigurement and Disability: If your injuries result in lasting disfigurement or disability, such as amputation or paralysis, we’ll fight for compensation to address the life-altering consequences you face.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you’re entitled to reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.
- Funeral and Burial Costs (in Wrongful Death Cases): If you’ve lost a loved one in a garbage truck accident, we’ll assist you in seeking justice and restitution for funeral expenses and other losses suffered by your family.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to save money. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced advocate from Abels & Annes, P.C. on your side. We’ll make sure your compensation reflects the full scope of your losses.
Contact an Experienced Garbage Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we’re committed to helping victims and their families rebuild their lives after devastating accidents. When you work with us, you’ll speak directly with an attorney who will evaluate the specifics of your case and provide clear, honest advice. With free consultations available 24/7, you can reach out with confidence, knowing we’re here to help.
Don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses can become harder to locate over time. Contact us today to get started.