Texas Accident & Injury News
Garbage trucks can cause catastrophic damage when involved in accidents.
Teenage Girl Hit and Killed by Garbage Truck in Early-Morning Accident
A teenage girl was killed early Monday morning after being struck by a garbage truck on San Antonio’s Northwest Side, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹
Police reported that the incident happened around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, February 9, in the parking lot of an apartment complex off Danny Kaye Drive near Oakdell Way. Authorities said the garbage truck driver was traveling southbound on his regular route when the 15-year-old girl entered the truck’s path, first in front of the vehicle and then behind it, where she was struck.
Officers found the teen in the parking lot, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported. Police have not filed charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Did You Know?
In 2025, 91 crashes involving garbage trucks were reported across Texas, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.²
Accidents Involving Garbage Trucks: What Families Should Know
Crashes involving garbage trucks are especially devastating. These vehicles are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver—particularly in residential areas and parking lots. When a pedestrian is struck, the injuries are often catastrophic or fatal.
After a loss like this, families are often left with questions about how the accident happened and whether anyone may be legally responsible.
Why Garbage Trucks Pose Unique Risks
Garbage trucks are designed for hauling heavy loads and making frequent stops, not for quick braking or sudden maneuvers. They also have significant blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians nearby.
Common risk factors include:
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Large blind spots along the sides and behind the truck
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Frequent stopping, starting, and backing up
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Early-morning routes when visibility is low
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Residential settings where pedestrians may be nearby
Even when a driver is experienced and following procedures, these factors can increase the risk of serious accidents.
Early-Morning Conditions Increase Danger
Many garbage truck routes run early in the morning, when it is still dark and activity in residential areas may be unexpected. Poor lighting, shadows, and limited visibility can make it harder for both drivers and pedestrians to see one another in time to avoid a collision.
In apartment complexes and parking lots, tight spaces and parked vehicles can further limit sightlines and reaction time.
Does the Lack of Charges Mean No One Is Responsible?
Not necessarily. Criminal charges and civil liability are two separate issues.
A decision not to file charges does not automatically mean that no one was legally responsible. Civil wrongful death claims focus on whether reasonable care was used under the circumstances—not whether a crime was committed.
Key questions in these cases often include:
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Whether the truck was operated safely for the location
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Whether warning lights, alarms, or safety features were functioning properly
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Whether company safety policies were followed
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Whether conditions at the property contributed to the risk
These questions can matter even when an accident is described as unintentional.
Who May Be Liable After a Garbage Truck Accident?
Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend beyond the driver alone. Potentially responsible parties may include:
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The garbage truck driver
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The waste management company operating the truck
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A third-party contractor
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A property owner responsible for the parking lot or roadway
Determining liability requires reviewing reports, vehicle data, company policies, and the scene itself.
When a Death Occurs, Families May Have Legal Rights
When a child or loved one is killed in a vehicle accident, Texas law may allow certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim—but only if the death was caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party.
Wrongful death claims are not automatic. They depend on whether someone else failed to use reasonable care and whether that failure contributed to the loss of life.
Because the facts surrounding fatal accidents are not always immediately clear, families should always speak with a lawyer after a fatal vehicle accident. A lawyer can:
- review the investigation,
- explain whether negligence may be involved,
- and help ensure important deadlines or evidence are not missed.
Even if you ultimately choose not to pursue a claim, getting legal guidance early protects your rights and gives you clarity during an overwhelming time.
Lost a Loved One in a Garbage Truck Accident? Call Shaw.
Losing a child or loved one in a sudden accident is overwhelming, and families deserve clear answers and compassionate support. If your family lost a loved one in an accident involving a garbage truck, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Loss of companionship, care, and support
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Wrongful death damages
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced Texas wrongful death lawyer. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when your family needs it most.
We look forward to serving you.