Motorcyclist Killed In Garden Grove Garbage Truck Accident

Orange County Officials Investigating Fatal Garden Grove Trash Truck Accident Involving Motorcyclist on Western Avenue

GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA (April 6, 2024) – A 56-year-old motorcyclist has tragically died in a Garden Grove garbage truck accident on the 11700 block of Western Avenue.

Orange County officials are saying that the collision took place around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. A garbage truck was involved in a collision with a man on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The circumstances leading up to the crash remain largely unknown at this point. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.

The driver of the Harley Davidson was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the garbage truck remained at the scene and cooperated with the police.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Garden Grove Garbage Truck Accidents

Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents. Many of these collisions involve garbage trucks. A report from ProPublica has revealed that private garbage trucks tend to have a much worse safety record than those operated by cities. According to the report, “In New York City overall, private sanitation trucks killed seven people in 2017. By contrast, city municipal sanitation trucks haven’t caused a fatality since 2014.” Garbage truck drivers should take a number of measures in order to prevent collisions.

• Garbage truck drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
• Garbage truck drivers may need to use a spotter when backing up.
• Garbage truck drivers should be well-rested before heading out onto the road.
• Garbage truck drivers should limit the number of left turns that they make as much as possible.

Garbage truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many truck accidents involve drivers who were making dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. If the driver of a garbage truck fails to slow down to avoid hitting another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Liability for a garbage truck accident could extend beyond any driver. The company or city a garbage truck driver worked for could be vicariously liable for a collision. Employers are legally responsible for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is important that a number of steps be taken after any garbage truck accident.

• The work records of the truck driver involved should be reviewed.
• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought. In many situations, local businesses will capture nearby collisions.
• The police report for the collision should be collected.

Car accidents can be complex events. The factors that contribute to any collision may take place hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. For example, if a garbage truck is not being properly maintained, this could potentially lead to a collision. Sadly, though, the companies that manage garbage trucks will often do everything in their power to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important to have collisions independently investigated by knowledgeable legal counsel.

Investigating Garden Grove Garbage Truck Accidents

We at Samer Habbas & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the motorcyclist killed in this collision. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There are many questions about what happened that remain unanswered.

Do you need more information about a Garden Grove garbage truck accident? Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.