LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS (October 7, 2025) – A man has tragically died in a Lowell garbage truck accident on Spring Street, according to a statement by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Middlesex County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A garbage truck operated by Win Waste Innovation was backing up along Spring Street when it hit the victim.
A second person is also injured in the accident, though the severity of their injuries has not been revealed at this time. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Massachusetts State Police are currently conducting an investigation into the garbage truck accident in Lowell.
Liability for Middlesex County Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck drivers must obtain a commercial license and are expected to operate with a great deal of care to avoid collisions. They must be particularly cautious around pedestrians and when backing up. Pursuant to Massachusetts Vehicle Code 720 CMR 9.08(3), “Except as otherwise provided in 720 CMR 9.08(3) the driver of any vehicle before starting, stopping, turning from a direct line, or backing shall first see that such movement can be made in safety.”
Truck drivers should take several actions to avoid hitting pedestrians while backing up.
- Awareness: Trucks have large blind spots all around the vehicle, particularly in the front and back. Truck drivers should be aware of where these blind spots are and check them when necessary.
- Spotter: Truck drivers may need to use a spotter to help guide them as they are backing up to avoid running into any object or pedestrian.
- Exit Vehicle: When a spotter is not available, the truck driver may need to exit their vehicle and check to make sure that their path is clear.
- Cameras: When a truck is equipped with cameras, truck drivers must check them for the presence of pedestrians.
There is simply no excuse for a truck driver to back over any pedestrian in the roadway. These accidents are nearly always the result of numerous traffic regulations not being followed. When a garbage truck driver is negligent and runs over a pedestrian, their employer could potentially be held at fault. Employers in Massachusetts can be held vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After Middlesex County Garbage Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks account for a relatively small number of the total vehicles on the roadway, but they are involved in a disproportionately high number of collisions. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 5,472 people died in large-truck crashes in 2023. The number of deaths decreased 8% from 2022 but is up 40% in the last 10 years. The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (18%), and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%).”
Victims of truck accidents should take certain steps to protect their rights and health.
- Police Investigation: The police should be called to the scene so that they can document evidence.
- Surveillance Footage: One of the most important pieces of evidence to review is any surveillance footage that may have captured the crash.
- Accident Photos: Photos of the accident site should also be taken. They can help paint a clear picture of what went wrong.
- Legal Review: Accident victims and surviving family members should explore their legal options and consult with a Boston truck accident attorney.
Truck companies and their insurance providers are unlikely to accept responsibility for accidents. It is more likely that they will blame the victim for what happened. It is important for accident victims and their family members to understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek accountability through a wrongful death claim if a loved one is killed. This will be the case even if a victim is deemed partially at fault for a collision.
Investigating Middlesex County Garbage Truck Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this pedestrian accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There are many questions that still need to be answered. Did this garbage truck driver check their blind spots? What is the safety record of the company involved?
If you need more information about a Lowell garbage truck accident, our team of truck accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. We are available for a free legal consultation 24/7.