Wayne County, MI — December 22, 2025, a pedestrian was killed due to a garbage truck accident sometime in the evening along Akron Court.

According to authorities, the accident occurred somewhere along Akron Court, presumably off of Grand Traverse Street.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a pedestrian was run over by a garbage truck. The person reportedly sustained fatal injuries due to the collision and was declared deceased at the scene.

Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a garbage truck runs over a pedestrian in a residential area, the question isn’t just how it happened—it’s how it wasn’t prevented. These trucks operate in close proximity to people, often on foot, and the nature of their work—frequent stops, reversing maneuvers, and obstructed sightlines—makes them inherently risky if strict safety practices aren’t followed.

We don’t yet know whether the truck was moving forward, backing up, or turning when the collision occurred. But that distinction matters. If the truck was reversing, the law generally requires the driver to have a clear line of sight or assistance from a spotter. Many modern garbage trucks are also equipped with backup cameras, proximity sensors, and audible alarms—all designed to prevent precisely this kind of outcome. If any of those systems weren’t present, weren’t working, or weren’t being used properly, those failures will be critical to the investigation.

Another factor to consider is whether the pedestrian was visible or in a blind spot. These vehicles have wide turning radii and high cabs, and it's easy for someone to disappear from view if the driver isn’t checking mirrors constantly. That’s why proper mirror adjustment, in-cab awareness, and defensive driving habits are essential on every route—especially in neighborhoods where people may be walking to their cars, taking out trash, or crossing the street.

The investigation will need to establish exactly where the pedestrian was relative to the truck, what direction the truck was moving, and whether the driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision. Vehicle data, GPS logs, and camera footage—if available—will be key to answering those questions. So will any witness accounts or physical evidence at the scene.

Key Takeaways:

• Garbage trucks present a high risk to pedestrians due to frequent stops, blind spots, and close-quarters maneuvering.
• If the truck was reversing, investigators will examine whether it had functional safety systems and whether they were used correctly.
• The driver’s field of vision, mirror use, and awareness of surroundings will be central to determining whether the incident was preventable.
• Evidence such as dash cam footage, GPS data, and witness accounts will help reconstruct how the collision occurred.
• The investigation must determine whether a lapse in standard safety protocol allowed a known hazard to become a fatal one.