Lawsuit Filed: Truck Driver Killed by Defective Garbage Truck

Trial Team Leader Elinor Leary filed a lawsuit on behalf of Johnny Tolliver against Crane Carrier, a manufacturer of garbage trucks, for negligence, product liability and wrongful death. One of Crane Carrier’s garbage trucks malfunctioned while collecting trash, killing Tolliver, who was working as an employee.

On January 11, 2016, Tolliver and a co-worker were collecting trash bins and dumping the trash into the truck by using the truck’s tipper. Suddenly and without warning, a loud “hiss” noise came from the truck and it began rolling downhill, crushing Tolliver. He was transported to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The Complaint alleges that the truck lacked an adequate braking system to hold the truck when stopped on a hill, or to notify the operator that the brakes were malfunctioning. It further alleges that Crane Carrier knew that components of its trucks were purchased and used by garbage truck operators without inspection for defects.