Republic Services is one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the country, operating under contracts with dozens of municipalities throughout Florida. As a result, their trucks are a regular fixture in neighborhoods across the state, running collection routes early in the morning and often returning multiple times per week. These are large, heavy commercial vehicles that can cause severe injuries to victims in the event of a truck accident.
Republic Services is a publicly traded corporation, not a government entity, which means there are no sovereign immunity protections standing between you and a personal injury claim. Below is an overview of what you should know before moving forward with your case.
How Do Accidents Involving Florida Republic Services Trucks Happen?
Republic Services trucks follow set routes through residential and commercial areas, which means they are constantly stopping and starting in spaces shared with other vehicles and pedestrians. The nature of this work creates conditions where accidents are more likely to occur.
Contributing factors often include:
- Drivers reversing without properly checking for traffic behind them
- Obstructed sightlines caused by the size of the truck
- Mechanical breakdowns resulting from wear and tear on heavily used vehicles
- Crew members stepping into the roadway between stops
- Routes being rushed due to scheduling pressure
- Trucks blocking lanes without adequate warning to approaching drivers
These are not minor fender benders. The weight of a fully loaded waste truck can exceed 60,000 pounds, which means even a low-speed impact can cause life-altering injuries to the people inside a passenger vehicle.
Holding Republic Services Liable for Your Florida Injuries
As a private employer, Republic Services can be held financially responsible for accidents caused by its employees under the legal principle of vicarious liability. This means that if a Republic Services driver was on the clock and performing job duties at the time of the crash, the company itself may owe you damages, not just the individual behind the wheel.
Your claim may also extend beyond the driver and the company, depending on what caused the accident. For example, if a third-party maintenance provider failed to keep the truck in safe operating condition, additional parties could share liability. Identifying every responsible party is important because it can directly affect the total compensation available to you.
To pursue a claim, you will generally need to file within two years of the accident under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Missing this statute of limitations can permanently eliminate your right to seek damages and there are only rare exceptions, making it wise to seek legal advice as soon as you can if you suspect you have a valid claim.
Contact Elliott Law Firm for Help With Your Florida Republic Services Case
Taking legal action against a large corporation isn’t easy, considering the large resources and legal departments these companies have at their disposal. Contact Elliott Law Firm today at (800) 300-0303 for a free consultation to get started with your claim if you’ve been involved in a crash with a Republic Services vehicle in Florida. Our personal injury lawyers can help you level the playing field against the opposing party and aim to help you recover maximum compensation as well.