garbage truck accident lawyer NYC

Published on: October 31, 2024

Why Garbage Truck Accident Attorneys Are Essential as NYC’s Waste Reform Lags

As garbage truck accident attorneys in New York City, we see the urgent need for legal support for those harmed by private sanitation vehicles. Although the city’s Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) system promises to improve the safety of our streets, delays in implementing the system and questionable choices about which companies to involve have left the public vulnerable to serious accidents. This reality underscores just how critical it is for victims to have skilled attorneys advocating on their behalf, holding these companies accountable for the harm caused.

The Dangers of Slow Reform and Questionable Company Choices

Local Law 199, passed in 2019, set out to overhaul New York City’s notoriously dangerous private waste system by creating designated zones where only three companies would operate, limiting truck traffic and enhancing safety. Yet, progress has been sluggish, and while we wait, private garbage trucks continue to pose serious hazards according to a recent report. Shockingly, many of the companies selected for these zones have a history of frequent crashes and major safety violations. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, 17 companies chosen for the CWZ system were involved in at least 61 serious accidents, causing 103 injuries and tragically claiming three lives.

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Published on: January 31, 2024

The Urgent Need for Reform in NYC’s Private Garbage Truck Industry: A Legal Perspective

By GGCRBHS&M

New York City’s decision to overhaul its private garbage truck industry is a critical step toward addressing a longstanding public safety crisis. As lawyers specializing in garbage truck accidents, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the chaotic and dangerous practices endemic to this sector. The city’s plan, finally set to unfold after years of delays, promises significant changes that could not only enhance safety but also transform the legal landscape for those affected by these accidents.

The reform, proposed back in 2016 and passed in 2019, is a response to a series of alarming statistics and incidents involving private garbage hauling companies

These firms, tasked with collecting commercial waste, have operated under a system that prioritizes efficiency over safety, resulting in a patchwork of overlapping routes that span multiple boroughs. This inefficient management has not only led to horrendous working conditions for haulers, often working shifts longer than 12 hours, but also posed a significant threat to public safety. A city report from 2021 highlighted a grim reality: over a decade, commercial garbage trucks were involved in accidents that led to at least 43 deaths and 107 injuries.

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Published on: January 9, 2024

The Role of a Garbage Truck Accident Lawyer

By GGCRBHS&M

Following the recent tragic incident in Brooklyn, where a speeding Mercedes-Benz collided with a garbage truck, resulting in the untimely death of the car’s driver, it is crucial to explore the legal and safety aspects surrounding such accidents, especially those involving private carting companies.

At around 12:30 a.m. in Gerritsen Beach, a 54-year-old driver for Cogent Waste Solutions was executing a U-turn when the collision occurred. The Mercedes driver, 42-year-old Patrick Donovan, did not survive the impact. This incident exposes the dangers posed by private garbage haulers in New York City. Historically, these companies have been scrutinized for their operational methods.

As garbage truck accident lawyers in New York City, it is important to highlight the legal complexities in such cases. While the garbage truck driver did not face immediate charges, and Cogent Waste Solutions has expressed cooperation with the ongoing investigation, the key questions revolve around the operational practices of private carting companies and the responsibility they bear in ensuring public safety.

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