Li Liang (Full Name: Li Ying Liang) Died After Being Hit by Falling Scaffold Following an East Harlem, Manhattan Garbage Truck Accident
EAST HARLEM, MANHATTAN (January 4, 2026) – A 75-year-old woman identified as Li Liang has tragically died in an East Harlem, Manhattan garbage truck accident on East 101st Street.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday morning. A private garbage truck was heading down East 101st Street when it collided with a sedan.
The force of the impact pushed that sedan into scaffolding on the sidewalk. That accident caused the scaffolding to collapse and land on top of Li Liang (Li Ying Liang) who was standing beneath it.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Li Liang was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
Friends of the victim described her as an incredibly sweet person and staple of the community. The NYPD is currently investigating what may have caused the driver to lose control.
Liability for East Harlem Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage truck drivers will typically need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They are expected to operate their trucks with an abundance of caution to avoid hitting other vehicles or pedestrians. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1128(a), “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.” There are many ways that a truck driver may have acted negligently prior to a truck accident.
- Speeding: A truck driver could have easily lost control of their vehicle due to speeding. In fact, speeding remains the main reason that drivers lose control of their vehicles. Even traveling the speed limit could be dangerous depending on the prevailing traffic and weather conditions.
- Distracted Driving: A truck driver may lose control of their vehicle after being distracted. Many truck drivers take their eyes off the road to check messages or take calls.
- Overcorrection: A truck driver could lose control of their vehicle if they begin to drift in the roadway and then overcorrect. Garbage trucks are large vehicles and cannot turn on a dime. Suddenly pulling the steering wheel in one direction can destabilize its intended trajectory.
- Fatigue: A truck driver may have failed to abide by hours-of-service limits. In general, truck drivers are only allowed to work a certain number of hours per day and week. Failing to abide by these standards can lead to them becoming dangerously fatigued.
If a truck driver fails to operate their vehicle in a safe manner and slow down to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. In particular, there is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that collides with a stationary vehicle. Liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. For example, the private company that a garbage truck driver worked for could also be liable. Generally speaking, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Steps to Take After New York City Garbage Truck Accidents
A fully loaded garbage truck can weigh 40,000 lbs or more. Their sheer weight and size make them deadly even at lower speeds. According to the FMCSA, an estimated 80 people have died in collisions with garbage trucks in 2020 alone. Many of these fatal crashes occur in dense urban areas like New York City. Certain actions should be taken after any garbage truck accident.
- Medical Records: All medical records and documents related to injuries should be gathered. These records can help reveal how an accident took place.
- Evidence Preservation: The digital and physical evidence associated with the accident should be preserved. This will include any photos of the accident site and police reports created by arriving officers.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Eyewitnesses should be sought as early as possible and interviewed while their memories are still fresh. Their testimony can help establish what led up to a collision or caused a driver to lose control.
- Work Records: The work records of any garbage truck driver involved in a collision should be carefully scrutinized. In many cases, a poor safety culture or work violations can contribute to a collision.
- Independent Review: Victims of garbage truck accidents or surviving family members should seek an independent review of the collision with a legal team experienced in tort claims. This team can get to the bottom of how an accident took place and what entities could be legally responsible.
Garbage truck accidents are often highly preventable. The New York Times has reported that fatal collisions are much more likely to involve private garbage truck companies, as opposed to their public counterparts. Part of the problem is that private sector drivers are often pushed to adopt unsafe driving practices as they work to complete routes as quickly as possible. The family of any person who died in a collision may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating New York City Garbage Truck Accidents
We at Richmond Vona extend our deepest condolences to the family of Li Liang. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD. Many questions remain unanswered. What caused this garbage truck driver to lose control of their vehicle? What is the safety record of the company that owned the garbage truck?
Do you need more information about a New York City garbage truck accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and holding companies accountable for their wrongful conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the circumstances leading up to any collision, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime on our website or at 716-500-5678.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship with the reader. Any laws referenced herein are based on general legal principles and may not be applicable to your particular situation. All information contained in this post was collected from secondary sources and may contain errors. If you have questions or concerns regarding this post, please contact us immediately. We will update or remove any post upon request.
