The risk of harm in a truck collision is always high. The force of these vehicles, even in a minor wreck, can lead to catastrophic injuries. When the trucker is driving a utility vehicle, the company may be responsible for any injuries from the crash.
If you have been injured in a utility vehicle accident in Auburn, you may be entitled to substantial damages. A dedicated utility accident attorney can help you determine who is liable for your losses and bring the appropriate claims. Call Gideon Asen, LLC today to speak with a reliable legal professional.
What Are Utility Vehicles?
Utility vehicles include any automobile owned or operated by a utility company. While most commercial vehicles are not tractor-trailers or big rigs, they may still weigh at least twice as much as a passenger vehicle. Because of this, utility vehicles in Auburn have much more force in a collision, and even a slight impact on a car or motorcycle can lead to substantial injuries.
Some examples of utility vehicles include the following:
- Street sweepers
- Snowplows
- Telephone trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Cable company trucks
- Heating, air conditioning, and plumbing trucks
- Electric, natural gas, and propane delivery trucks
Utility vehicles in Lewiston-Auburn can also carry additional hazards, such as flammable material, dangerous chemicals, and heavy machinery, that can impact a person’s ability to recover after a wreck.
Injuries from Utility Vehicle Crashes
Utility vehicle accidents come with a risk of severe injuries, including the following:
- Sprains and strains
- Whiplash
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Organ damage
- Spine and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Recovery can be lengthy and expensive, depending on the nature and extent of harm. It can include extended time off work, costly medical intervention, and emotional trauma. A utility vehicle collision attorney in Lewiston-Auburn can help their client calculate damages and pursue compensation to ease recovery.
Damages from Utility Vehicle Wrecks
Damages refer to financial compensation for economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses include medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic losses are intangible losses with no direct monetary value. The court has to estimate the monetary value of pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional trauma.
In rare cases, a court may also award punitive damages to punish a wrongdoer’s egregious behavior and prevent similar actions in the future.
Comparative and Contributory Negligence
In Maine, multiple people can be at fault in a crash. While this can complicate personal injury claims, it also provides third-party opportunities for financial recovery, increasing an individual’s likelihood of recovery. Parties who may be liable include:
- Truckers
- Employers
- Utility companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Garages or maintenance companies
- Drivers of other vehicles
- Municipalities
The court will examine the circumstances of a case and determine which parties were responsible and their share of fault for the collision. If a person is less than 50 percent liable for their injuries, they can recover from the other parties. However, the court will reduce an injured individual’s award by their percentage of the share of fault.
Discuss Utility Vehicle Accidents With an Auburn Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a commercial automobile crash, you may have a claim against the trucker, the employer, the vehicle manufacturer, and other third parties.
Contact a lawyer with Gideon Asen, LLC to learn more about recovering after a utility vehicle accident in Auburn. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys can discuss the details of your case and potential routes for recovery.
