Long Island Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

The massive size and weight of garbage trucks make them essential for sanitation work in residential areas and commercial zones across Long Island. Companies like Winters Bros. Waste Systems, Maggio Environmental, and Jamaica Ash provide critical waste collection and disposal services to our communities. However, their presence also comes with significant risks. Unfortunately, when accidents involving garbage trucks occur, they often lead to devastating injuries and property damage due to the trucks’ size and limited maneuverability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a garbage truck accident, Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP is here to help. Our experienced Long Island truck accident lawyers understand how complex truck accident cases can be and the impact these incidents can have on victims and their families. We are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for you, too. Contact us for a free consultation today—we’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900

Why Choose Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP for Your Long Island Garbage Truck Accident Claim

Attorneys Matthew Bligh and Erin Hargis review case details outside courthouse

When it comes to handling garbage truck accident claims, our team at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP has the skills, experience, and resources to help you pursue justice. Here’s why families across Long Island choose us to represent them in their time of need:

  • Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
    Our attorneys bring more than a century of combined personal injury experience to the table. This gives us a deep understanding of the legal landscape in New York and the intricacies of handling truck accident cases, including those involving garbage trucks.
  • Focus on Personal Injury Cases
    We focus exclusively in personal injury law, allowing us to concentrate all our efforts and resources on helping individuals and families affected by accidents. This focus has enabled us to achieve consistent success for our clients.
  • Local Knowledge and Proven Track Record
    We’ve represented clients in courts throughout Long Island, and our firm has a history of achieving favorable outcomes in these local jurisdictions. We understand the nuances of the legal process here and use that knowledge to your advantage.
  • Prepared to Go to Trial
    While many cases settle outside of court, our attorneys are always prepared to take cases to trial if necessary. This readiness often motivates insurance companies to offer a fair settlement rather than risk a courtroom battle.
  • Compassionate Client Care
    We prioritize the well-being of our clients. From the moment you contact us, you’ll receive compassionate support and clear communication. Our team is here to guide you through a challenging time with professionalism and empathy.

If you’re struggling with medical expenses, lost wages, or the trauma of losing a loved one due to a garbage truck accident, don’t hesitate to call us today. Can a truck accident lawyer help you? Absolutely. Our team can manage the legal process while you focus on healing, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

Do I Have a Case?

Determining whether you have a valid case after a garbage truck accident depends on several factors. Most personal injury claims, including truck accident cases, are based on the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone’s careless actions cause harm to another person.

To have a successful claim, you and your attorney must prove four key elements of negligence:

  1. Duty of Care
    The defendant (such as a garbage truck driver or sanitation company) had a legal obligation to act in a manner that would prevent harm to others. For example, a garbage truck driver has a duty to operate the vehicle safely and obey traffic laws.
  2. Breach of Duty
    The defendant failed to meet this obligation. This could involve reckless driving, ignoring safety protocols, or not properly maintaining the garbage truck.
  3. Causation
    The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. For instance, if a garbage truck’s brake failure caused a collision, evidence would need to link the crash to poor maintenance.
  4. Damages
    The accident resulted in measurable losses, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, or property damage. Documentation of these losses, from medical bills to pay stubs, is crucial to your claim.

If you’re unsure whether you have a case, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The experienced Long Island truck accident lawyer at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP can evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and help you determine the best course of action. It’s essential to act as soon as possible, as legal deadlines (known as statutes of limitations) may limit the time you have to file a claim.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident in Long Island?

Determining liability in a garbage truck accident can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying all liable entities is critical to building a strong case and seeking full compensation. Potentially liable parties may include the following:

  • The Garbage Truck Driver
    If the driver was negligent, such as speeding, distracted driving, or operating the vehicle under the influence, they might be held accountable for the accident. Garbage truck drivers must exercise caution, especially in residential areas and on busy streets in New York.
  • The Sanitation Company
    The company that owns and operates the garbage truck may be liable for the actions of its employees under a legal principle called “vicarious liability.” If the company failed to train drivers properly, maintain the vehicles, or enforce safety protocols, it might also be directly responsible for the accident.
  • A Third-Party Maintenance Provider
    Garbage trucks require regular maintenance due to their massive size and heavy loads. If a third-party company was responsible for inspecting or repairing the truck and failed to do so correctly, they could be held liable if mechanical failure caused the accident.
  • Other Drivers or Third Parties
    Sometimes, another motorist’s actions may contribute to a garbage truck crash. Additionally, defective road design or signage could implicate a local municipality.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the crash. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we gather evidence, consult with experts, and work tirelessly to hold all negligent parties accountable. Consult a lawyer for a truck accident to better understand your options and take the right steps from the start.

For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?

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If you’ve been approached by an insurance company with a settlement offer, you may feel tempted to accept it just to resolve the matter quickly. However, doing so without first speaking to a qualified Long Island truck accident lawyer could mean leaving significant compensation on the table. Here’s why.

  • Insurance Companies Lowball Initial Offers
    Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Their initial offer may only cover a fraction of your losses, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, property damage, and more.
  • You May Not Fully Understand the Extent of Your Damages Yet
    After a garbage truck accident, the true scope of your injuries might not be immediately apparent. Some injuries, like internal injuries, may surface later. Also, long-term costs such as ongoing care or lost earning potential may not be included in the initial calculation.
  • How Lawyers Make a Difference
    A skilled garbage truck accident lawyer can evaluate the totality of your damages, including those you may not have considered. They also engage in strong negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, your Long Island truck accident lawyer can take the case to court to fight for fair compensation.

Before accepting any offer, speak with our team at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP. We have years of experience standing up to insurance companies and protecting the rights of accident victims. First offer from the insurance company after a truck accident settlements are often lower than what victims truly deserve, so it’s important to have legal guidance before making any decisions.

Compensation Available in a Long Island Garbage Truck Accident Lawsuit

When you file a claim after an accident with a garbage truck, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation. These can help ease the financial and emotional burden of the crash. Categories of compensation may include the following:

  • Medical Expenses
    Compensation for medical bills includes immediate treatments like surgeries and hospitalizations, as well as future expenses such as rehabilitation, therapy, or the cost of prescription medications.
  • Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
    If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. Additionally, if your capacity to earn in the future has been diminished due to your injuries, these losses may also be covered.
  • Pain and Suffering
    Damages for pain and suffering aim to compensate for the physical agony and emotional distress caused by the accident. This category often encompasses reduced quality of life or the mental trauma victims experience.
  • Property Damage
    Repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle are generally covered as part of a claim.
  • Other Expenses
    Depending on the circumstances, you may recoup costs related to travel for medical appointments, hiring caregivers, or even modifications to your home to accommodate a disability.

Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages so you can pursue the maximum available compensation. How long do you have to file a claim for a truck accident depends on several factors, but in most cases, New York law gives injured victims three years from the date of the crash to take legal action.

How Our Long Island Garbage Truck Attorneys Can Help with Your Case

Rising Stars, Erin M. Hargis

When you’re dealing with a garbage truck accident, the legal details can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. Our Long Island garbage truck accident attorneys are committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to your unique situation. Here’s how we can help:

  • Conducting a Thorough Investigation
    Our attorneys collect and evaluate evidence, such as video camera footage, police reports, and witness statements, to establish liability. We collaborate with external experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, when needed.
  • Handling Communications with Insurance Companies
    We take on the burden of dealing with insurers so you don’t have to. Our goal is to prevent insurers from exploiting you and ensure your claim is handled fairly.
  • Negotiating Fair Settlements
    With decades of experience, our attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to delay or undervalue claims. We negotiate assertively to achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Litigating in Court
    If your case progresses to trial, our team is well-prepared to present a compelling argument before a judge and jury.

At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we focus on your legal needs so you can prioritize your recovery and your family. Why you need a truck accident lawyer becomes clear when you consider the complexities of commercial vehicle regulations, insurance negotiations, and liability investigations that often overwhelm injured victims without proper legal support.

Long Island Garbage Truck Crash FAQs

If you or a loved one has been affected by a garbage truck accident, you may have questions. Here are answers to common concerns often voiced by victims and families:

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a garbage truck accident?

You should reach out to a garbage truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade over time, potentially weakening your case. Immediate legal representation helps preserve key evidence and ensures compliance with filing deadlines.

What should I do if a garbage truck hits my parked car?

If a garbage truck damages your parked vehicle, report the incident to law enforcement and gather evidence, such as photos of the damage and the vehicle’s license plate number. 

What if I partially contributed to the accident?

New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I file a claim if a loved one died in a garbage truck accident?

Yes. If you lost a loved one in a garbage truck crash, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Our attorneys can guide you through this process and help you seek justice.

How do I cover medical bills while I wait for a settlement?

No-fault coverage should cover your initial medical expenses following a collision with a garbage truck.  Additionally, if liability is established, your attorney might negotiate an agreement that ensures medical care costs not covered by no-fault are covered as part of the claim.

Contact Our Trusted Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Matthew H. Bligh

A garbage truck accident can leave you reeling physically, emotionally, and financially. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we are here to alleviate your burden. With decades of experience, a proven track record, and a compassionate approach, we’re ready to fight for justice and compensation for you and your family.

Time is of the essence. Contact us today at (631) 451-7900 or through our online form for your free consultation. Whether you need guidance navigating insurance claims, investigating negligence, or pursuing a lawsuit, our trusted team of attorneys is ready to help. 

For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900

 

Client Review

"I highly recommend the firm of Rosenberg & Gluck. They were very professional. All my calls were returned promptly and my questions were answered. I was treated with respect and patience. They were a tremendous help!"

Annette Ciolino-Masucci

Practice Areas

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Our Long Island Injury Lawyers Have Experience In

Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents on the highways can be lethal events
Bicycle Accidents
Riding a bicycle should not be unsafe
Car Accidents
If you have been seriously injured, call our firm
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury
Medical Malpractice
Medical mistakes can cause death ruin lives
Wrongful Death
When negligence results in the death of a loved me
Premises Liability
When hurt in a location, someone has to take responsibility
Brain Injury
Brain injuries can have long term severe effects
Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious injury

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