If you are in a wreck with a utility vehicle, it may be challenging to know how to proceed. You may be facing a surplus of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. It is common for these types of collisions to result in ongoing physical pain and emotional trauma.
Utility vehicles are owned by utility companies or others performing a public service, and determining the at-fault party is difficult. Fortunately, a seasoned utility attorney can help you identify who is responsible and advise you on recovering after a utility vehicle accident in Bangor. Schedule an initial consultation with Gideon Asen, LLC today to learn more.
Injuries from Utility Vehicle Crashes
Utility trucks are heavier than passenger vehicles, and these wrecks have a higher overall risk of injuries, including the following:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Moderate to severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Death
In the event of a loved one passing from a utility vehicle accident, a Bangor lawyer could help their family file a wrongful death claim and pursue damages in court.
Determining Liability After Utility Vehicle Wrecks
Determining the owner is one of the first hurdles in a liability claim after a Bangor utility vehicle accident. A private party, public or private utilities, or the government city, country, or other local entity may own these large commercial vehicles. Identifying the owner of the vehicle is necessary to start a claim.
Other parties, including the driver, employer, maintenance company, or vehicle manufacturer, could be liable in addition to the utility company. If the wreck involved multiple vehicles, one of those drivers may also be responsible.
Figuring out who has what portion of the fault is critical because the degree of liability determines whether someone can recover in a personal injury claim.
Maine adheres to the doctrine of modified comparative negligence. If an injured party is less than 50 percent responsible for the accident or injuries, they can recover from other liable parties. Additionally, all at-faults are jointly and severally liable, meaning an injured individual can fully recover the total amount from any responsible parties.
Although these claims are complex, the attorneys at Gideon Asen, LLC, can untangle them. They start by identifying who was responsible and then follow the appropriate claims process, which can vary from party to party based on a doctrine of municipal immunity.
Are Municipal Governments Immune From Utility Vehicle Claims?
Maine Tort Claims Act, Maine Revised Statutes Annotated tit. 14 § 8102 provides that municipal governments are immune from many tort claims. The law explicitly exempts accidents involving vehicles, machinery, and equipment that the public will likely encounter regularly. Any motor vehicle operated by the city—including utility vehicles—falls under this exception.
Learn More About Utility Vehicle Accidents in Bangor Today
Before agreeing to a settlement, an injured person should consult a compassionate personal injury attorney about utility vehicle accidents in Bangor. These wrecks can present unique factual scenarios that could impact an individual’s right to recover.
They can also lead to substantial injuries that can have a lifelong effect on your physical, mental, and financial well-being. You must understand your rights and potential remedies before deciding on your claim. Schedule an initial consultation with Gideon Asen, LLC today to learn more.
