Clay Township, OH — November 25, 2024, two people were injured following a garbage truck accident shortly before 6:45 a.m. along State Highway 795.

According to authorities, a garbage truck was traveling westbound on S.H. 795 in the vicinity west of the S.H. 51 intersection when the accident took place.

The truck was apparently attempting a left turn from the highway into a private drive. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a passenger car occupied by a 42-year-old man from Elmore attempted to pass the garbage truck on the left at the same time. A collision subsequently followed between the two vehicles.

The man in the passenger vehicle was reportedly entrapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated by emergency personnel. Once freed from the aftermath, reports state that he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. The person who had been behind the wheel of the garbage truck sustained minor injuries, as well, but was apparently treated at the scene of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Collisions involving commercial vehicles often present unique challenges when it comes to understanding how and why they occurred. In this particular incident involving a garbage truck and a passenger car, several critical questions must be addressed to piece together the full story. With over 30 years of experience examining the intricacies of truck accident cases, I know the value of digging deeper into the factors that may have contributed to this crash.

For example, investigators will need to determine whether the garbage truck driver used proper signaling before attempting the left turn. Was the truck operating within the boundaries of traffic laws, and was the driver adequately trained to navigate such maneuvers safely? Similarly, the actions of the driver of the passenger car will need scrutiny to understand why they decided to pass on the left and whether they had sufficient visibility of the truck’s intentions.

The condition of the garbage truck itself is another key element. Was the vehicle equipped with functioning safety systems, such as turn signals, reflective markers, or brake lights, that could have communicated its movements to surrounding traffic? Additionally, the operating company bears a responsibility to ensure that its fleet is maintained to the highest safety standards and that drivers receive comprehensive training. Any lapse in these areas could point to broader safety issues within the organization.

Ultimately, a thorough investigation is the least that can be done to ensure that all the facts are uncovered and accountability is determined. Even if it requires independent investigation, it's only through such careful means that those who were impacted by this accident can receive the clarity and closure they deserve.