Homeless Man Died In Sherman Oaks Sanitation Truck Accident on the 15100 Block of Burbank Boulevard
SHERMAN OAKS, CALIFORNIA (January 26, 2022) – A man has tragically died in a Sherman Oaks garbage truck accident while walking by the 15100 block of Burbank Boulevard.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the collision took place on January 25th. A Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation truck hit a homeless pedestrian under uncertain conditions.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the man died due to his injuries.
Authorities said that it is not clear if the victim was in the road or on a sidewalk when he was hit. This was the fourth fatality in recent days involving a homeless person in Los Angeles County.
City officials have said that these accidents underscore the importance of finding housing solutions for the homeless across Los Angeles County.
Liability For Sherman Oaks Garbage Truck Accidents
Far too many people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents involving garbage trucks. According to Recycling Today, “Thirty-five members of the public have died in roadway accidents involving the solid waste industry this year compared with 37 at this same time in 2021.” There are a number of factors that can make garbage trucks particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
- Garbage trucks have large blind spots all around the vehicles. These are especially pronounced in the front and sides of the truck.
- Garbage trucks can weigh as much as 40,000 lbs.
- Garbage trucks often operate in the early morning hours when pedestrians are less visible.
Garbage truck drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian that is close enough to pose a hazard. If a garbage truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The company that a garbage truck driver worked for could be held at fault for a collision. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their drivers – insofar as those workers were performing their job duties. It is common for garbage truck companies to push their drivers to complete their routes at an unrealistic time schedule. There are many steps that should be taken after any garbage truck collision.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a garbage truck accident may have legal recourse through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner and children. In order to win any civil claim, the plaintiff will have to demonstrate negligence. A garbage truck accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles County Garbage Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this garbage truck accident. There have been so many pedestrian fatalities involving homeless people in the last few weeks. It is our sincere hope that LA County officials will come up with solutions to prevent other tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligence of a garbage truck driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of help we are here for you. You can call us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
