Lansing, MI — June 16, 2025, a child was injured in a garbage truck accident at about 2 p.m. on North Grand River Avenue.
Authorities said a 5-year-old was hit by a garbage truck near the intersection with Seagar Street.
The boy was hospitalized in critical condition after the accident, according to authorities.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Ingham County crash at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a child ends up in critical condition after being hit by a garbage truck, most people are left wondering: How does something like that happen? And more importantly, what can be done to get clear answers?
Based on what’s been reported, it’s not clear whether the child was in the roadway, crossing the street, on a sidewalk or somewhere else entirely when the truck made contact. That matters a great deal. Depending on whether the truck was turning, reversing or traveling straight ahead, the responsibilities and possible failures involved could be very different.
One of the first things that should be examined is whether the garbage truck had a clear line of sight. These trucks often have significant blind spots, particularly near the front and along the passenger side. That’s why many cities and waste management companies have started installing wide-angle mirrors, in-cab cameras and even proximity sensors to help reduce the chance of hitting pedestrians, especially small children, who may be hard to see from the cab.
But technology doesn’t help if it wasn’t installed or wasn’t used properly. That’s why part of any serious investigation needs to include a review of the truck’s equipment. Did it have forward-facing and side-mounted cameras? Was it equipped with an audible backup alarm or motion detection system? Was the driver using the mirrors correctly, or relying on a spotter if reversing?
Just as important is the question of driver awareness. Was the driver distracted? Was there any cell phone use in the moments leading up to the crash? These are the kinds of questions that can only be answered by checking phone records and camera footage, assuming it exists.
We also don’t know what company owns the truck or whether it’s publicly or privately operated. Either way, the hiring and training process for drivers deserves scrutiny. Was the driver adequately trained to operate in residential areas or near schools? Did the company conduct background checks? Was there a track record of prior safety incidents?
I handled a case once where a commercial driver, despite repeated complaints, kept his job because the employer prioritized filling a seat over public safety. That came back to haunt them when his careless driving caused a serious injury. The point is, this isn’t just about what the driver did or didn’t do; it’s about the systems in place that either prevent or enable dangerous behavior.
Until we know more about where the child was, what the truck was doing, and what tools were available to the driver, we can’t say who’s responsible. But one thing is certain: this isn’t the kind of crash that can be brushed off as a fluke. It demands a thorough, independent investigation, one that looks beyond the surface and into the policies, practices and equipment that either protected or failed to protect that child.
Key Takeaways
- It’s unclear whether the child was in the street, on a sidewalk or somewhere else, which affects how fault may be assigned.
- The truck’s equipment — cameras, mirrors and safety sensors — must be reviewed to understand if the crash was preventable.
- Driver distraction and training are critical areas that need investigation, including cell phone use and experience operating in pedestrian-heavy areas.
- The company’s hiring, supervision and safety practices could play a role in determining who is ultimately accountable.
- Getting answers requires more than relying on the initial police report. It takes independent investigation and a focus on evidence.
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