Most people understand that sanitation workers must be strong and willing to work in all types of weather conditions. However, it’s easy to overlook the dangers associated with this type of work, which usually requires one or two individuals to hop on and off a large truck that makes frequent stops. Impatient drivers, or those who might not be paying close attention to the road ahead of them, increase the risk of a serious accident.
One tragic example of the hazards associated with sanitation work occurred in Tenafly when a 23-year-old from North Arlington died after a tow truck hit his garbage truck. The victim was employed by a recycling company from Elizabeth. According to the Tenafly Police Department, a vehicle from ABC Towing in Fort Lee struck the back of the garbage truck shortly before 7 a.m. Along with the worker who died, the drivers of both trucks and one other man were taken to Englewood Health Medical Center. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration commenced an investigation of the matter.
The family of the deceased victim may have legal recourse to pursue compensation for their devastating loss. In addition to death benefits provided through the workers’ compensation system, the personal representative for the decedent’s estate might file a wrongful death action against the tow truck driver and/or the company that employed him. Wrongful death claims in New Jersey typically aim to cover losses such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support and emotional suffering.
Lawsuits stemming from collisions involving commercial trucks are often complex, with multiple factors potentially at play. Investigators may examine whether mechanical failure, a lack of training, poor maintenance or a traffic violation contributed to the crash. Similarly, questions regarding the positioning of the garbage truck and whether proper safety measures were taken could be central to determining fault.
Seigel Law has collected more than $500 million for New Jersey clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from truck accidents and other types of incidents. To make an appointment for a free consultation with an experienced attorney regarding a potential claim, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online. Our office is in Ridgewood.