Male Pedestrian Killed In San Pedro Trash Truck Accident Along Pacific Avenue Near 13th Street and 14th Street
SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA (December 6, 2022) – A male pedestrian in his 70’s has tragically died in a San Pedro garbage truck accident on Pacific Avenue near 13th Street.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the collision took place around 5:09 a.m. on Monday. A man was crossing in the crosswalk when he was hit by a garbage truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, the man died due to the severe nature of his injuries. The identity of the man has not been released at this time.
However, the Los Angeles County coroner has identified Vincent Sardisco as someone who matched the description of the victim. Vincent Sardisco was 72-years-old and died in a motor vehicle accident on Monday in LA County. It is not yet known if this was the victim of the San Pedro garbage truck accident.
The driver of the garbage truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the San Pedro collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Pedro Garbage Truck Accidents
Around 100 people are killed every year in garbage truck accidents across the United States. Private garbage truck accidents tend to have a worse safety record than their public counterparts. According to one investigation by ProPublica, it is common for private garbage truck drivers in New York to work 10 – 14 hour days six days a week. This workload can lead to drivers becoming dangerously fatigued. There are a number of steps that garbage truck companies can take to help prevent collisions.
- Garbage truck drivers should be properly trained.
- Garbage truck drivers should be given adequate time to rest before their shift starts.
- Garbage trucks can be equipped with safety features such as forward collision avoidance systems.
Garbage trucks can weigh as much as 40,000 lbs and have extremely large blind spots. These blind spots are large enough to make an SUV completely disappear. They are especially pronounced near the front and sides of the truck. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing the roadway. When a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If a garbage truck operator was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for 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. For example, a garbage truck operator may have been on their scheduled route when they hit a pedestrian.
The company that manufactured a garbage truck could potentially be held at fault for a collision. All garbage trucks must have an audible alarm that can be distinguished from background noise. The alarms must output at a minimum of 87 decibels. These alarms should be activated before the vehicle moves and when the transition is shifted to reverse. Should this alarm fail and a pedestrian is hit, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. Victims of garbage truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
It can be difficult to know what to do after any garbage truck accident. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. They have the right to pursue a civil claim for damages if that is what they choose. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after an accident. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to demonstrate liability for any collision.
Investigating A Los Angeles County Garbage Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that city officials will examine this intersection and take measures to make it safer.
Do you need more information about a San Pedro garbage truck accident? Our team of pedestrian 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 any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
