Accidents with Utility Trucks in Ohio

Utility Truck Accidents in Ohio

Utility trucks are heavy-duty, commercial vehicles or large pieces of equipment that have been designed for a specific purpose. Generally, utility trucks are owned by local municipalities or private companies and are used for business-related purposes, such as street cleaning, construction, garbage collection, servicing power lines, tree trimming, or deliveries.

Common types of utility trucks include:

• Garbage/recycling collection trucks
• Communication company trucks (e.g. Time Warner, Verizon, AT&T)
• Dumpster trucks
• Construction trucks
• Electrical utility trucks
• Oilfield trucks
• Lawn maintenance trucks
• Cable trucks

Common Utility Truck Accident Injuries

Unlike 18-wheelers, which primarily operate on highways or major roads, utility trucks are not restricted from residential areas. Utility trucks often make frequent stops and are more difficult to operate, which can make accidents more likely to occur. The size and weight difference between utility trucks and smaller passenger vehicles can lead to serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Common injuries suffered in accidents involving utility trucks include:

• Broken bones
• Amputated limbs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries or whiplash
• Back or spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Torn ligaments or muscle injuries
• Disfiguring lacerations

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a utility truck, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. You may be able to receive payment for:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Liability in Utility Truck Accidents

While utility trucks are not subject to the same rigorous federal and state regulations as large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, drivers must obey traffic laws and operate these types of vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Additionally, utility trucks must be regularly inspected and properly maintained to prevent accidents, and employers must adequately train their drivers.

Lawsuits involving utility truck accidents can be complicated for several reasons. First, there may be multiple parties responsible, including the utility truck driver, the company or government responsible for the utility vehicle, the driver’s employer, or the owner of the utility truck.

This makes it important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as early as possible after an incident with a utility vehicle. A qualified lawyer can guide you through the legal process, identify the appropriate party, and fight to obtain the maximum possible compensation.

Government Utility Trucks

Bringing a personal injury claim against a governmental agency or employee can be especially challenging because of special rules that apply to lawsuits involving municipalities. For example, if a local municipality or state agency is responsible for the utility vehicle, that may be protected from lawsuits under sovereign immunity, but there are exceptions.

Common examples of government utility trucks include water department vehicles, waste and refuse collection trucks, telecommunication vehicles, and other maintenance trucks.

Private Utility Trucks

However, if a third party is contracted to do utility work or a private business is responsible for the safe operation of a utility vehicle, they may be liable for the damages caused by your accident. Typical examples of private utility companies are cable provider trucks, electricity and gas company vehicles, and landscaping utility trucks.