Introduction

New York City doesn’t sleep — and neither do its sanitation trucks.

Whether it’s 5 AM in the Bronx or midnight in Brooklyn, those massive garbage trucks are out collecting trash, squeezing through tight streets, and backing up without warning.

And sometimes, they hit people.

Pedestrians. Cyclists. Drivers. Delivery workers. Even kids.

If it happened to you or someone you love — don’t assume there’s nothing you can do.

You might be eligible for serious compensation… but the clock is ticking.

At Kari Law Group, PLLC, we’ve helped real New Yorkers get justice after being hit by city-operated vehicles — even when the city tried to deny blame.

Why Garbage Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Sanitation trucks weigh over 60,000 pounds fully loaded.

They’re hard to maneuver, have huge blind spots, and often speed through side streets.

Common types of accidents include:

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrians struck while crossing the street

🚲 Cyclists sideswiped in the bike lane

🚗 Parked cars hit during early morning pickup

🏃‍♂️ Children or elderly residents knocked down in residential areas

🧑‍🔧 Workers injured by malfunctioning sanitation equipment

These aren’t fender benders — they’re life-changing events.

Real Talk: What to Do Immediately After the Accident

Whether it’s DSNY (Department of Sanitation) or a private waste company like Action Carting or BIC, your actions in the first hours matter.

1. Call 911 and get medical help.

Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

2. Take photos and video.

Show the scene, your injuries, and the truck’s plate or company name.

3. Get witness info.

Names, phone numbers — don’t rely on police to get it for you.

4. Write down details while they’re fresh.

Time, location, direction the truck was going, what happened.

5. Save everything.

Clothing, medical bills, hospital bracelets — it all matters later.

Who Pays for the Damage?

Here’s where it gets tricky.

If the truck was operated by the City of New York, you’re not just filing a regular injury claim — you’re up against City Hall.

That means:

🧨 Only 90 DAYS to file a formal Notice of Claim

🧨 If you miss that deadline, your case may be thrown out

🧨 Suing the city means strict procedures, special hearings, and pushback from their lawyers

If it’s a private trash hauler, it’s still complicated — but the timeline and legal process are different. Either way, you need an experienced team who’s done this before.

How Kari Law Group, PLLC Fights These Cases

Most firms don’t even want sanitation cases.

They’re hard. Paperwork-heavy. The city stalls. Evidence disappears.

We don’t back down.

When you call us, we’ll:

• Launch an immediate accident investigation

• Request truck GPS and maintenance logs

• Subpoena traffic camera footage

• Handle the Notice of Claim before the deadline

• Work with medical experts to value your injuries

• Fight to prove fault — even when the city blames you

You may be eligible for:

• Medical bills

• Lost income (past + future)

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disability

• Emotional trauma

This Is Still New York — and You Still Have Rights

It doesn’t matter if you’re undocumented, visiting, or working for cash.

If you were hurt because of negligence, you have the right to be compensated.

🗽 At Kari Law Group, PLLC:

• We speak English, Español, Русский, 中文, Oʻzbek, Тоҷикӣ, ქართული

• We offer free consultations

• You pay nothing unless we win

Don’t Wait. The City Is Already Preparing Their Defense.

If you’ve been hit by a garbage truck — or your loved one was — don’t wait to “see how it goes.” These cases move fast, and delay hurts your chances.

Call us. Message us.

Let’s hold the city (or the private hauler) accountable.

karilaw.com | Free Case Review | (718) 395-1818