What Happened in Old Westbury?
According to Old Westbury Police Chief Stuart Cameron, the crash began when a dumpster truck carrying a heavy load of ripped-up asphalt lost its brakes. Unable to stop at a red light, the truck overturned and struck both a small school bus and an SUV. The collision crushed the front corner of the school bus, shattered its windshield, and severely damaged the passenger side of the SUV.
Potential Liability in Dumpster Truck Accidents
When a commercial truck, such as a dumpster truck, loses its brakes and causes an accident, multiple parties could bear responsibility. These include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver failed to properly inspect the vehicle or disregarded safety regulations.
- The Trucking Company: If the company neglected routine maintenance, overloaded the truck, or pressured drivers to operate under unsafe conditions.
- The Maintenance Provider: If an external company failed to adequately service the truck.
- The Manufacturer: If defective brakes or other faulty components contributed to the crash.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into maintenance records, inspection logs, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Unique Dangers of Dumpster Trucks
Dumpster trucks pose specific hazards due to their heavy loads and high centers of gravity, which increase the risk of brake failure and rollovers. When these vehicles collide with smaller, unprotected vehicles like school buses or SUVs, the results can be devastating, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to severe injuries.
Steps for Victims and Their Families
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s critical to take the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Contact an Attorney: Truck accident cases often involve complex laws and multiple defendants. An experienced dumpster truck accident lawyer can investigate the incident, preserve evidence, and advocate for full compensation.
Why Experience Matters
At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our attorneys are nationally recognized for securing significant verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury cases. We understand the nuances of commercial truck accident litigation, and we’re prepared to hold negligent parties accountable.
The Old Westbury crash serves as a reminder of the immense responsibility truck operators and companies bear to ensure the safety of others on the road. If you or your family has been impacted by a similar tragedy, contact us at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.