Driving in Lexington sometimes means coming across large trucks, and it’s not all that uncommon that accidents with them are more serious. Many times, this is an 18-wheeler or a delivery truck, but one type that’s often overlooked is a garbage truck. Still, the sheer size and weight difference is enough that any collision with one is going to be problematic for you, as a recent story from Fox 56 lays out.
A person was injured and had to be extracted from their SUV after it rolled over when it was hit by a non-city garbage truck on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Lexington Police Department (LPD) responded to the scene of the accident at the intersection Harrodsburg Road and Madrone Way around 7:12 a.m. Once they were on-site, they found that the SUV had rolled over. The driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the garbage truck was unhurt. No charges are expected.
Who’s Responsible For an Accident With a Non-City Garbage Truck?
For many people that live in Lexington, the city is responsible for garbage pickup and other services. However, as the story above shows, there are private companies that can take care of garbage pickup, using their own trucks and drivers.
When an accident like this happens, a very important question comes up: who’s responsible? Figuring this out starts with looking at the circumstances of the accident itself. In many cases, the private waste management company that owns the truck can be held liable for your injuries. This falls under a legal principle called “vicarious liability,” which holds companies accountable for injuries caused by their employees while on the job, like if:
- The truck driver was negligent—such as speeding, driving while distracted, or ignoring traffic signals.
- The company hired someone with a poor driving record or known safety risks.
- The company failed to properly train the driver or the crew responsible for operating or loading the truck.
- There was a lack of supervision or safety oversight of the team operating the truck.
- The company failed to perform necessary maintenance on the vehicle, leading to mechanical failure.
Private or not, the reality is that garbage trucks are big, heavy vehicles that often drive through neighborhoods. When they’re involved in accidents, the injuries can be serious–or even deadly. Because of this, the company that owns the truck will try to protect itself quickly. They usually have lawyers and insurance teams working to reduce how much they have to pay you.
Even if the crash wasn’t your fault and your injuries are serious, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get the money you need. That’s why it’s so important to have the right legal support.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Lexington Car Accident
Getting hit by a garbage truck is no small thing—especially when these trucks are rolling through neighborhoods every day. In a place like Lexington, it’s not uncommon to come across them, and unfortunately, accidents do happen.
If you’ve been hurt in one of these crashes, our team at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC is here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and work to recover the financial support you need for things like:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment or therapy
- Lost income from missing work
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
How much you’re able to recover depends on how badly you were hurt and how the accident impacts your life. Every case is different–but we’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on getting. If you’re ready to talk, contact us today for a free consultation.
