Utility Truck Accidents
While most of us envision devastating 18-wheeler accidents when we hear about a truck crash, commercial trucks actually come in many different shapes and sizes.
Commercial utility trucks are typically larger pickups modified to serve a specific purpose.
They’re used for a wide variety of tasks, such as electrical work, lawn maintenance, phone line repair, tree trimming, street sweeping, and television cable repair.
While these trucks can help workers provide valuable services, utility truck collisions can cause serious injuries.
Utility Truck Collision Causes
Utility trucks are governed under the law as commercial vehicles, but they’re not subject to the same Department of Transportation requirements as semi-trailer trucks. This means utility truck drivers aren’t required to take mandatory breaks or pass a medical clearance in order to drive, and they’re generally permitted to drive anywhere within a city.
Utility trucks make frequent stops and they can be difficult to operate, leading to accidents in areas that aren’t typically travelled by larger trucks. Human error is the most common cause of utility truck accidents, since these vehicles are often operated by inexperienced drivers who weren’t properly trained.
Utility truck drivers who speed, are distracted, are fatigued, or who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputated limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
Receiving Compensation
After suffering injuries caused by a collision with a utility truck, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Utility truck accident litigation can be complex, since there may be a number of liable parties including the driver, the company tasked with maintaining the truck, the truck owner, and the driver’s employer. You need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.