Pedestrian Died In Garbage Truck Accident At San Marcos Based EDCO Recycling Buyback Center on South Las Posas Road
SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA (March 11, 2023) – A pedestrian died in a San Marcos garbage truck accident at the EDCO Recycling Buyback Center on South Las Posas Road.
San Diego County officials are saying that the accident took place around noon on Friday. A pedestrian was hit by a garbage truck as it was backing up to a set of scales at EDCO Recycling Buyback Center.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the garbage truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Liability For San Marcos Garbage Truck Accidents
According to Motor Biscuit, “2017 saw 107 fatal refuse-truck accidents and over 1,400 related injuries. On the other hand, OSHA recorded 25 fatal garbage-truck collisions in 2017.” Garbage truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous for pedestrians. These trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of pedestrians. They often operate in the early morning when pedestrians are less visible. Garbage truck drivers should take several steps to avoid collisions.
- Garbage truck drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Garbage truck drivers should use a spotter when backing up.
- Garbage truck drivers should be well-rested before the start of their shift.
Garbage truck drivers must exercise due care to avoid pedestrians. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21950, drivers must slow down to avoid hitting pedestrians. Drivers must be particularly cautious while backing up. There is simply no excuse for a driver to ever hit a pedestrian while backing up. If a driver can’t see what’s behind them, they should get out of their vehicle to check.
When a garbage truck driver is negligent and kills a pedestrian, their employer can 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 garbage truck accident.
- Surveillance footage of the crash should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough investigation into the collision should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a garbage 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. In order to win any civil claim, plaintiffs will have to demonstrate negligence. At the end of the day, the evidence left behind after a collision can paint a clear picture of what happened.
Investigating A San Diego County Garbage Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in this San Marcos garbage truck accident. 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. Accidents like this can often be prevented when drivers are exercising due care.
Do you need more information about a San Marcos garbage truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here for you. We care 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 support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
