People who work in the solid waste collection industry—or the garbage collection industry—face one of the highest rates of work-related wrongful deaths and injuries in the country. They are at greater risk of getting hurt or killed on the job then police officers and first responders. For those who work on the trucks, their job often requires jumping on and off the truck to empty waste or recycling cans on all types of streets and in all kinds of weather. The trucks they ride on are heavy, they are big, and they stop frequently—all of which can make for a dangerous car crash if other drivers are not paying attention.
Understanding Iowa’s ‘Slow Down To Get Around’ Law for Driver Safety
Iowa, like Illinois, Wisconsin, and other states, has enacted a law to protect people who work on garbage trucks. The law, known as a “Slow Down to Get Around” law requires drivers to:
- Slow down near garbage or recycling trucks.
- Change lanes, if possible, when traveling near garbage or recycling trucks.
- Go around garbage or recycling trucks with caution.
This is similar to the laws that regulate how drivers should act when they see a non-moving emergency vehicle, such as a police car pulled over on the side of the road.
An Iowa driver who fails to take these actions could be ticketed whether or not an accident has occurred and may be required to pay a fine and court costs.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Garbage Truck Accident
If you work on a solid waste or recycling truck or if you are traveling in another vehicle, then it is important to speak with an experienced attorney after an accident. If you were hurt at work, then you may have a workers’ compensation claim and if you were hurt as a motorist or passenger then you may have a personal injury claim. Whether you have a truck accident claim will depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Iowa can investigate the crash that caused your injury, determine who may be liable, and help you get the recovery that you deserve. However, we can only help you if you act quickly and before the time for filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury case expires. Please contact us online or call us directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us at your convenience.
