9-Year-Old Boy Struck by Trash Truck in Amesbury

At KBD Attorneys, we report on serious truck accidents each week to raise awareness about the devastating consequences these crashes can have—especially on children and families. A recent accident in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is the latest heartbreaking example of how dangerous waste collection trucks can be when operating in residential neighborhoods.

On the morning of June 24, 2025, a 9-year-old boy was seriously injured after being struck by a G. Mello Disposal Corp. trash truck near the intersection of California Street and California Lane, according to local news reports and a statement from the Amesbury Fire Department. While the child was thankfully conscious and alert at the scene, he sustained significant injuries and was later transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and then to Boston for further treatment.

The driver remained on scene, and an investigation by both local police and state authorities is ongoing.

These Accidents Are More Common Than You Think

While waste collection trucks may seem like an ordinary part of daily life, they pose serious risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and especially children. These vehicles are large, heavy, and frequently operate in tight residential areas—often during early morning hours when visibility is lower and kids are heading to school or outside to play.

In many communities, these trucks:

• Back up frequently on narrow streets or dead ends

• Have large blind spots that make it hard to see small children

• Operate close to sidewalks, driveways, and curb areas

• Are often on strict schedules, increasing the risk of rushed behavior

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), refuse and garbage trucks are involved in hundreds of crashes each year, and injuries to pedestrians are among the most severe. When a child is struck, the outcome can be life-altering—or worse.

The Physical and Emotional Toll on Children and Their Families

In this Amesbury incident, early reports indicate the young boy was seriously injured, though stable. But even if he recovers physically, the trauma of being hit by a massive commercial vehicle can leave long-lasting scars—both for him and his family.

Children who survive such accidents may face:

• Broken bones, internal injuries, or head trauma

• Long hospital stays and surgeries

• Permanent disabilities or mobility issues

• Emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD

For parents and caregivers, the impact can be equally devastating. Watching your child suffer is one of the hardest things a parent can endure. The ripple effects can include:

• Time off work to care for a child

• Medical bills and transportation expenses

• Psychological strain on the entire family

• Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation needs

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve worked with families across Massachusetts and the country who are coping with similar tragedies. And in every case, we’ve seen how important it is for victims and families to have someone fighting for their rights while they focus on healing.

Legal Responsibility in Truck-Pedestrian Accidents

Truck drivers—and the companies that employ them—are legally responsible for operating their vehicles safely, especially in residential neighborhoods where children are known to be present. If negligence, reckless behavior, or failure to follow safety protocols contributed to this accident, the waste disposal company may be held liable.

Common causes of waste truck accidents include:

• Driver inattention or distraction

• Failure to check mirrors and blind spots

• Improper backing or turning techniques

• Poor vehicle maintenance (e.g., faulty brakes or warning systems)

• Lack of adequate driver training

In Massachusetts, personal injury claims involving children often involve unique legal considerations. For instance, the law recognizes that children may not be able to anticipate danger or avoid hazards the way adults can. As a result, drivers owe an even higher duty of care when operating near children.

How KBD Attorneys Helps Families After Serious Accidents

When a child is injured in a crash involving a trash truck, delivery vehicle, school bus, or other large commercial vehicle, the emotional and legal aftermath can be overwhelming. That’s where our team at KBD Attorneys comes in.

We help families by:

• Launching immediate investigations to gather evidence

• Identifying all responsible parties, including the driver, employer, and insurance providers

• Documenting the full scope of injuries, damages, and emotional distress

• Negotiating or litigating for compensation to cover medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, and more

We understand that no amount of money can undo the trauma. But holding the responsible parties accountable can provide closure, cover ongoing medical needs, and protect other families by ensuring better safety standards in the future.

What Parents Can Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If your child has been injured in a crash involving a garbage truck or any commercial vehicle, it’s critical to take the right steps immediately:

1. Get medical care and keep detailed records of treatment, diagnoses, and follow-up needs.

2. Document everything—take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and damaged property.

3. Report the accident to your local police, and request a copy of the report.

4. Do not accept early settlement offers without consulting a legal professional.

5. Contact a trusted Massachusetts truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer. At KBD Attorneys, we offer free consultations and are happy to answer your questions without obligation.

Safety Must Be the Priority

The crash in Amesbury should serve as a wake-up call to municipalities, waste management companies, and legislators. More needs to be done to protect children in neighborhoods where commercial vehicles are active.

This could include:

• Equipping trucks with better backup cameras and warning systems

• Improved driver training and awareness

• Clear school zone guidelines and slower speed limits during morning hours

• Local ordinances for safer trash pickup procedures

Until these changes are implemented, tragedies like this will continue to happen.

Final Thoughts

A child’s life was nearly lost in a preventable accident involving a commercial trash truck. While he thankfully survived, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. At KBD Attorneys, we are heartbroken by this event and offer our support to the child’s family.

We are also committed to fighting for others who have experienced the same. If your child has been injured in a truck or pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Our legal team is here to investigate what happened, explain your rights, and help you seek justice.

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