FRESNO, Calif. — A crash involving a City of Fresno garbage truck could soon lead to legal action.
The crash happened on February 25 at the intersection of Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue in Fresno, an intersection known for frequent collisions.
An attorney representing the driver of an SUV who was hit by the garbage truck says new video evidence raises serious questions about what happened.
Attorney Deepak Ahluwalia, who represents the driver Dilbag Singh, says Singh was turning onto Friant Road when the city garbage truck driven by Donald Cooper slammed into his vehicle.
According to Ahluwalia, the driver initially told police the traffic light went directly from green to red, something the attorney says is not possible.
“What stood out in this case was the initial statements given to police by the city employee that the light allegedly turned hard red from green,” Ahluwalia said. “The video evidence clearly shows there was an orange light before it turned red. So, it seemed to be a case of distracted driving.”
Ahluwalia says video from a local social media page known as Friant Roulette was key in helping build the case.
After reviewing the footage, the attorney also looked into Cooper’s traffic record.
He says it reveals a pattern of traffic violations dating back to 2014, including speeding, cellphone use while driving, and previously running a red light.
“It just showed a lack of care,” Ahluwalia said.
Public records also show Cooper was involved in another accident lawsuit filed involving the city in September of 2024.
Ahluwalia says city drivers operating large vehicles have a responsibility to keep the public safe.
“These garbage trucks are going around our residential neighborhoods,” Ahluwalia said. “They’re supposed to be at very low speeds and suppose to stop timely. Something like this could be fatal, especially with kids playing nearby. It’s important the city does its due diligence when vetting these drivers.”
Despite the crash, Ahluwalia says Singh survived what could have been a much more serious incident.
“Mr. Singh is very lucky to be alive given the potential and actual impact that occurred,” he said.
FOX26 reached out to the City of Fresno for comment. A spokesperson said the city cannot comment because the matter involves potential litigation and personnel issues.
Singh is currently undergoing medical evaluations to determine the extent of his injuries. His attorney says he plans to pursue damages for Singh’s injuries, medical expenses, and long-term recovery.