How to Handle a Crash Involving a Tempe Sanitation Truck
Sanitation trucks might not move fast, but the damage they cause in a crash can be catastrophic. With wide turns, frequent stops, and early-morning routes through residential neighborhoods, garbage trucks in Tempe are involved in more accidents than many residents realize. If you were injured or your vehicle was damaged in a collision with one of these vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation—but the process will be different than a typical car accident claim.
At our Tempe crash resource hub, we help people understand the ins and outs of municipal liability, especially when the at-fault party is a public employee or city-operated vehicle like a garbage truck. Here’s what to know if you're navigating this situation.
Why Garbage Truck Accidents Are So Serious
Garbage trucks are heavy, awkward to maneuver, and often operated in tight, low-visibility spaces, like alleys or side streets in North Tempe or Meyer Park. Common crash scenarios include:
Side-swipes while a truck is weaving around parked cars
Rear-end accidents caused by sudden stops
Pedestrian collisions during reverse maneuvers
Vehicles crushed while overtaking a truck during a turn
Cyclist impacts in shared residential lanes
The injuries can range from minor to life-altering, especially in cases involving spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury.
Is the City of Tempe Liable?
Most sanitation trucks in Tempe are operated by the Solid Waste Services Division, which is part of the City of Tempe. That means if a city-employed driver caused the crash, your case falls under governmental liability law—which comes with extra steps and strict deadlines.
According to A.R.S. § 12-821.01, you must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the crash if you want to pursue damages from the city. The claim must include:
A specific amount of compensation
A factual basis for your claim
Supporting evidence such as photos, medical records, or repair bills
If your claim is denied—or not responded to in 60 days—you may proceed with a lawsuit. But missing this deadline eliminates your right entirely.
We explain this further in our guide on filing a claim against the city of Tempe.
What If a Contractor Operates the Truck?
Not all garbage collection in Tempe is handled by the city. Some routes—particularly commercial pickups—are outsourced to private contractors. In those cases, you may be able to file a standard insurance claim or lawsuit against the company directly.
These private contractor cases don’t follow the same restrictions as city claims. But identifying the employer of the truck driver is a crucial first step.
We break down these differences in our article on contractor vs. city claims.
Determining Fault in a Sanitation Truck Crash
Some people assume that the size of the truck means the city is automatically to blame. But fault still matters. You’ll need to prove:
The sanitation driver was negligent (e.g., failed to check mirrors, backed up without warning)
You weren’t violating traffic laws or contributing to the crash
The crash caused actual damages (e.g., injuries, lost wages, or vehicle repairs)
If you were partially at fault—for example, if you were speeding or trying to pass on the right—your recovery may be reduced under Arizona’s comparative negligence rule.
Common Injuries in These Collisions
Sanitation trucks are among the heaviest vehicles on the road. Even a low-speed impact can lead to:
Herniated discs or spinal fractures
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Complex bone fractures
PTSD or emotional trauma—especially in children struck in residential zones
These cases often result in higher-value claims, especially if long-term care or disability is involved.
What Damages Can You Seek?
Depending on the severity of your injuries and who was at fault, your claim might include:
Medical expenses (immediate and long-term)
Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation and mobility equipment
Property damage to your vehicle
Loss of quality of life in permanent injury cases
What to Do After a Crash With a Sanitation Truck
If you're physically able to, follow these steps to protect your right to file a claim:
Call 911 and report the crash
Document the scene — take photos of vehicle positions, damage, and any city logos on the truck
Ask for the truck’s vehicle number and operator’s name if possible
Get contact information for any witnesses
Seek immediate medical care, even for minor symptoms
File a Notice of Claim with the City of Tempe if it’s a government-operated vehicle
What If It Happened in a Parking Lot?
Some sanitation-related crashes occur when a garbage truck is collecting dumpsters behind an apartment complex or commercial property. If your crash happened in a parking lot, the same liability rules apply—but visibility issues and signage placement may also come into play.
If the city failed to use proper warning signals or didn’t install back-up cameras or alarms, that could increase their share of fault.
How These Cases Compare to Other Public Vehicle Crashes
Sanitation truck crashes are part of a broader category of public vehicle incidents, which can also include:
Fire truck collisions
City-owned vehicle crashes in parking lots
Accidents caused by malfunctioning city infrastructure
In all of these, the procedures for filing a claim are different from private-party wrecks—and often much stricter.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hit by a garbage truck in Tempe, don’t assume the process will be straightforward. Whether operated by a city employee or a third-party contractor, sanitation trucks introduce legal complexity, medical costs, and property damage most people aren't prepared for.
Understanding your deadlines and who controls the vehicle is essential. Time is not on your side—especially if a Notice of Claim must be filed.
For more information on government crash claims or Tempe-specific legal guidance, visit our legal resources page or browse cases involving public employees and city liability.
