Woman Dies in Collision with Garbage Truck
A Putnam County woman died recently when a passenger vehicle collided with a garbage truck in Milton, West Virginia on US 60. The accident occurred just after 7 am.
An accident reconstruction team was called to the scene, along with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office. The state Department of Transportation is also involved in the investigation. This is because the garbage truck involved is a commercial vehicle.
According to law enforcement officials, Leanne James (45) was in an eastbound passenger car on US Route 60 around 7:10 a.m. Her car was struck head-on by a garbage truck. Law enforcement believes the garbage truck crossed the center line, but they haven’t determined yet why this occurred.
It is not sure yet whether charges will be filed.
Law enforcement said the garbage truck driver did not seem impaired at the scene.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle?
Collisions involving commercial vehicles and cars are complex.
Legally, these events are different than passenger vehicle collisions. This is because they include issues like layers of liability, insurance subrogation issues, and accident reconstruction.
And in most cases, the company that owns the vehicle and/or employs the driver has a team of lawyers whose sole purpose is minimizing your compensation.
Working with a personal injury attorney who has experience dealing with accidents involving commercial vehicles levels the playing field.
Before you speak to investigators, insurance company representatives, or anyone else, it’s important for you to have legal protection. A lawyer will prevent you from agreeing to anything or signing any documents that hurt your claim.
Determining Fault in a Commercial Accident
Liability is one of the most significant issues in a commercial vehicle accident.
In many cases, the investigation reveals there is liability where none was originally anticipated.
For example, investigators will check a commercial vehicle’s “black box recordings,” as well as the dispatcher’s records, the driver’s logbook, and video recordings. Eyewitness statements are also taken into account. All of this information is used to determine the true cause of the collision.
Even if the driver is at fault, there might be other factors at play, including:
- Driver’s employer
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Auto parts manufacturers
At Heavens Law, we understand how difficult it is to be injured in a vehicle accident that involves a commercial vehicle. Many additional issues arise when an accident includes more than just passenger vehicles.
For more information or to discuss your situation, contact Heavens Law at 484-467-8254. All phone consultations are free and confidential, with no obligation beyond that.
