A serious crash involving a trash truck operated by Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) and a log-hauling semi-truck left a 35-year-old Pensacola man with significant injuries on Tuesday morning. The collision occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Highway 97 near Howell Road.

What Happened?

According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the ECUA garbage truck was traveling north on Highway 97 and began turning left onto Howell Road. At the same time, an empty logging truck — driven by a 32-year-old man from Brewton, Alabama — attempted to pass the trash truck in a designated passing zone. The two vehicles collided, and the force of the impact ejected the ECUA truck’s passenger, causing serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

The injured man was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital for emergency treatment.

Legal Rights of the Injured Passenger

Passengers injured in commercial vehicle collisions — even those employed by a municipal entity like ECUA — have legal rights. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a garbage truck accident or semi-truck collision in Escambia County, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expense compensation
  
• Lost wages
  
• Pain and suffering damages
  
• Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs
  

If employer negligence or the actions of another driver caused the crash, personal injury claims or workers’ compensation benefits may be available — and in some cases, both.

“This collision between a logging truck and an ECUA vehicle is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by heavy commercial traffic,” attorney Rachael Gilmer said in a Facebook post. “A thorough investigation is now needed to determine whether safety protocols were followed and to ensure accountability. Keeping Pensacola’s roadways as safe as possible for all of us, will always be one of the top priorities at Levin Papantonio Law Firm.”

Why Legal Counsel Matters

Accidents involving municipal vehicles and commercial trucking companies are complex. They often involve aggressive insurance adjusters and legal teams working to limit liability. A knowledgeable Pensacola truck accident attorney can:

• Launch an immediate investigation
  
• Preserve crucial evidence (e.g., dashcam footage, vehicle black boxes)
  
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts
  
• Handle negotiations with insurers and corporate attorneys
  

At Levin Papantonio, we are experienced in representing injury victims in Escambia County and throughout Northwest Florida. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that a serious accident can cause.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

If your family member was injured in a car crash or work-related incident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our team is ready to provide answers and fight for the compensation your loved one deserves.

📞 Call Levin Papantonio or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.