Woman Died In Grosse Pointe Park Green for Life Recycling Truck Accident Along Somerset Avenue
GROSSE POINTE PARK, MICHIGAN (December 20, 2022) – A female pedestrian has tragically died in a Grosse Pointe Park recycling truck accident while crossing the street on Somerset Avenue.
Wayne County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:15 a.m. on Friday. A Green for Life recycling truck struck a woman while she was crossing the street.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the woman. She was taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment.
Despite life-saving measures, the woman later died due to her injuries. Neighbors said that the area is known for being family friendly and is very safe.
A full investigation into the Grosse Pointe Park recycling truck accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Grosse Pointe Park Recycling Truck Accidents
It has been estimated that around 107 people are killed every year after being hit by garbage trucks or recycling trucks. There are a number of factors that can make recycling trucks particularly dangerous. For example, recycling trucks have large blind spots all around the vehicle. There are a number of steps that commercial drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Commercial drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Commercial drivers should slow down in residential areas.
- Commercial drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
Private garbage and recycling truck companies tend to have a worse safety record than their government run counterparts. These companies make more money the faster they are able to complete their routes. It is common for corners to be cut in terms of safety standards. For example, some garbage truck and recycling truck drivers report working 12 hours a day 6 days a week.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257.612, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian or bicyclist lawfully using the intersection. When a driver fails to slow down and hits a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If a recycling truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any recycling truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a recycling truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, it is common for companies to deny all liability for accidents involving their drivers. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after any accident.
Investigating A Wayne County Recycling Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman killed in this Grosse Pointe Park recycling truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Grosse Pointe Park car accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
