Garbage trucks and dump trucks are among the heaviest vehicles on city streets. They stop constantly, back up often, and have large blind spots. Pedestrians and cyclists are the ones who get hurt.
Your deadline depends on one fact: who owns the truck.
City Truck or Private Truck
- City sanitation trucks. These are claims against the City of New York. A written notice of claim is generally due within 90 days, and the lawsuit generally must be filed within one year and 90 days.
- Private carting trucks. Commercial garbage in New York City is collected by private companies, often at night. These are ordinary claims with the general three year deadline.
- Dump trucks and construction haulers. These usually belong to private contractors. If the truck was working on a public project, a public agency may also be involved.
Different legal standards can apply to City vehicles while they are actually performing work on the road. Every case is different, and the rules that apply depend on the facts, the parties, and the insurance involved. Once we discuss your claim and complete the necessary research, our office will confirm which deadlines and coverage apply to you.
Results
Settlement recovered for a pedestrian who sustained catastrophic injuries after being struck by a runaway truck.
Settlement secured for a client rear-ended at a stop sign, resulting in Spinal Surgery.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How These Crashes Happen
- Backing up without a spotter
- Turning through a crosswalk
- Running lights and speeding on overnight routes
- Workers riding on the truck being thrown off
- Unsecured loads and debris falling into traffic
- Tired drivers on long shifts
Evidence We Go After
- Route sheets, GPS, and onboard camera data
- Driver logs, hiring, and training records
- Inspection and maintenance records
- Street and building camera video
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills, past and future
- Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In death cases, the financial losses to the family
To recover for pain and suffering after a motor vehicle crash, New York law requires a "serious injury." Fractures, significant scarring, and significant or permanent loss of use of a body part are examples.
Common Questions
How do I know if it was a City truck?
City sanitation trucks are marked, and the police report will list the owner. If you are not sure, treat the 90 day deadline as if it applies and call us.
I work on a sanitation truck and was hurt on the job. Can you help?
Possibly. Workers' compensation usually applies against your employer, but there may be a claim against another driver or company that caused the injury.
The company's insurer already called me. What should I do?
Do not give a recorded statement and do not sign anything. Take the adjuster's name and number and call us.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
The consultation is free. There is no fee unless we win, and we advance the costs of the case. You speak with your attorney directly, not a call center.