Garbage trucks vary in size and design. When empty, they typically weigh around 33,000 pounds, but when fully loaded, they can weigh as much as 51,000 pounds. Depending on the model, these trucks range in length from 23 feet to just over 28 feet. Despite their differences, one common characteristic of garbage trucks is their poor visibility and extensive blind spots around the vehicle. Their size and design make them capable of crushing passenger cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Given the manner in which they operate—frequently maneuvering through tight streets, alleys, driveways, and sidewalks—other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists are often in danger when near garbage trucks, especially in residential areas. In Philadelphia, the Sanitation Division handles trash collection for residential buildings with six units or fewer, covering approximately 530,000 residential units. They use rear-load compactors, while commercial trash collectors also operate throughout the city.
Some Philadelphia Garbage Truck Accident Examples
Like any major city, Philadelphia has its share of severe garbage truck accidents. In April 2018, a garbage truck lost control in the Grays Ferry section of the city, colliding with 10 cars. The collision was so forceful that a station wagon ended up pushed onto the hood of another car. In Whitemarsh Township, just north of Philadelphia, a garbage truck flipped on its side, tragically crushing and killing a worker. In late 2017, a bicyclist was struck and killed by a garbage truck in the Center City District. Both the truck and the cyclist were traveling in the same direction when the driver made a right turn into the cyclist.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
Although garbage trucks typically travel at slow speeds, they still pose significant risks. Some common factors contributing to accidents involving garbage trucks include:
- Massive blind spots around the truck.
- Drowsy or fatigued drivers.
- Distracted or inattentive drivers.
- Worn brakes and tires that affect stopping distance.
- Faulty or malfunctioning reverse gear alarms.
- Increased stopping distances due to the truck’s size.
- Objects falling from the truck during operation.
- Inexperienced drivers or lack of proper training.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It’s worth noting that all garbage trucks purchased by the City of Philadelphia after 2018 are required to have side guards to reduce pedestrian injuries.
Note: Garbage trucks purchased by the City of Philadelphia after 2018 will all have side guards.
There Might Be More Than One Defendant
Identifying who is responsible for a garbage truck accident can be complicated. Liability could fall on the driver, the driver’s employer, the truck’s owner, or even a municipality. If you’ve been injured in a garbage truck accident, you don’t want these parties pointing fingers at one another while you face mounting medical bills and lost wages, especially when no fault lies with you. Our experienced team can intervene and ensure that responsibility is properly assigned, often through the legal system if necessary.
Municipal Liability Limits
In Pennsylvania, municipalities are subject to damage caps in motor vehicle accidents. According to Chapter 85, Title 42, Section 8553 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, damages arising from the same cause of action or event are capped at $500,000 in total. While this may not be sufficient to fully compensate for permanent injuries or wrongful death, it is the law. That’s why it’s critical to conduct a thorough investigation to identify other potential parties who may be held responsible in garbage truck accidents involving severe injuries or fatalities.
The Statue of Limitations and Notice of Claim
If you or a family member was injured in a garbage truck accident involving the City of Philadelphia or another Pennsylvania municipality, the general rule is that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. However, if the vehicle involved is owned by the city or a municipality, you must also file a notice of personal injury claim within 180 days of the accident. This notice must be timely, specific, and properly filed in order to proceed with your case.
Contact Us After a Garbage Truck Accident
Given the strict notice requirement and statute of limitations, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible after being injured in any garbage truck accident. We offer free consultations and case reviews, and if we take on your case, you won’t owe any legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
