Family of 87-Year-Old Man Struck by Garbage Truck Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The family of an 87-year-old man who was killed in an accident with a garbage truck has filed a lawsuit against the company that owned and operated the truck. The decedent was out for a morning walk when he was struck and killed by a garbage truck. The accident occurred at 7:28 a.m. An initial investigation revealed that the victim was walking near the edge of the pavement when the accident occurred. An ambulance transported the victim to a nearby hospital after a medical helicopter was called off. He was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital.

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the garbage service company by the daughter of the victim. The victim was attempting to cross an intersection when the truck driver attempted to make a right-hand turn. The lawsuit alleges that the driver of the garbage truck failed to keep a proper lookout leading to the accident.

The Decatur truck accident attorneys at Patel Law, PC have helped several clients recover damages for injury and death in truck accident lawsuits. In this article, we’ll discuss the aforementioned truck accident lawsuit and how the law might apply to this case.

Settlement award 

In this case, the garbage disposal company and the family of the victim reached a settlement. The family was awarded $1.5 million for damages related to the victim’s death. In most cases, when a settlement is reached, the defendant will not admit liability. It’s likely that the driver just didn’t see the man crossing the street when the accident occurred. It’s unclear why the defendant didn’t see the man, but it’s likely that he failed to keep a lookout resulting in the fatal accident.

Large trucks have large blind spots that truck drivers are supposed to be aware of when they are operating their vehicles. In a case like this, the driver can be faulted for not checking his blind spots. Big rigs are notorious for having huge blind spots. Drivers are supposed to check them before shifting lanes or making turns. Garbage trucks also have huge blind spots. Other drivers on the road are cautioned to avoid them when they are driving. Pedestrians, however, can’t always account for the truck’s blind spot.

In a case like this, it is common for the defendant to argue that the accident was the fault of the victim. This is a common tactic for defendants in personal injury lawsuits. The defendant in this case, however, did not want to see the lawsuit go to trial, so they settled it instead. This can happen when the defendant doesn’t believe strongly in their own defense.

Talk to a Champaign, IL Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

The Champaign, IL truck accident attorneys at Patel Law, PC represent the interests of those who are injured by large commercial trucks including garbage trucks. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation, and we can begin discussing your road to recovery immediately.

Source:

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