Accidents involving New York utility vehicles are not uncommon. They also can very quickly result in devastating or fatal injuries. It can be hard to know what to do or who is responsible for your considerable financial losses. An NY personal injury lawyer can help.
If you were injured in a utility worker-related accident, call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. We will explain your rights and how to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Call 212-490-5700 or use our contact form for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
New York Utility Truck Accidents
Utility workers routinely drive large trucks with cranes and heavy equipment attached. Even their smaller vehicles are usually loaded with heavy tools and spools of wire that can fall off and cause an accident.
Utility truck accidents in NYC may involve:
- Garbage and recycling trucks
- Dumpster trucks
- Telephone company trucks
- Construction company trucks
- Electrical utility trucks
- Oilfield trucks
- Water utility trucks
- Lawn maintenance trucks
- Cable trucks
Utility Truck Accident Injuries
Because utility trucks are often larger and heavier than a typical passenger vehicle, they can cause serious injuries.
Common injuries after a utility truck accident are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Disfigurement
- Amputated limbs
Liability in Utility Truck Accidents
Since most utility truck accidents involve an employee working at the time of the incident, there may be more than one responsible person.
People who may be responsible for a utility truck accident can be:
- The driver
- The employer
- The city or state who owned the utility vehicle
- A mechanic
- The person or company who loaded the utility vehicle
- A parts manufacturer
It’s important to conduct a thorough investigation after an accident with a utility vehicle to determine precisely what happened and who should be held liable. Any accident they cause should be covered by the employer’s insurance when the driver is working.
This could mean a higher insurance policy limit, and since damages in utility accidents are usually higher, this gives you a better chance at recovering the compensation you need.
New York City’s Liability
Many utility trucks in New York City are owned by the city and operated by city employees. If one of these drivers causes an accident, the government may be liable for your damages.
Many municipalities use “sovereign immunity” to avoid liability in tort (personal injury) cases like these. Sovereign immunity refers to the legal theory that a government cannot be sued without its consent. However, New York City does not. As long as you follow specific requirements, you can file a claim against the City of New York.
Suing NYC After a Utility Truck Accident
If you are injured by an NYC utility truck or one of the city’s workers, you must notify New York City of your injuries within 90 days of the accident. Then, you will receive a “Notice of Claim” and a claim number.
Within 30 days, the city will review your claim. They may offer you a settlement. If they don’t, or it’s too low, you can file a lawsuit in court. However, you must file within one year and 90 days from the time of the loss or accident.
Lawsuits against New York City for utility truck accidents can be complex. If you don’t meet a deadline, you may forfeit your ability to recover compensation.
Utility Truck Accidents: Workers’ Comp
If you were working at the time of the utility truck accident, you could file a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical bills and some of your lost wages. However, workers’ comp does not cover 100% of your losses.
It may be necessary to file an additional third-party personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover damages that workers’ comp does not provide.
Compensation After a Utility Truck Accident
If you are involved in an accident with a utility worker or their truck, you are entitled to recover financial compensation for your various damages and assorted losses. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. can help you recover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (spousal relationships)
Safety Rules Utility Workers Must Follow
Because utility work is dangerous, workers and employers must follow many state and local regulations. Additionally, the federal – Occupational Safety and Health Administration – maintains many utility safety requirements.
Some rules and regulations that they must follow:
- They must wear appropriate reflective clothing.
- They must post signage to direct traffic around their worksite.
- They must put up directional indicator barricades.
- They must follow all standard rules of the road.
- They must yield the proper right of way to pedestrians and other motor vehicles.
If utility workers or companies fail to abide by these laws and many others, they may be subject to fines. They may also have to pay damages to the people who are injured.
Call HKD After a Utility Truck Accident
Contact a lawyer about your options if you have been injured by a utility vehicle or on a utility worksite. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. has a team of legal professionals with experience handling utility accident cases like yours.
Call HKD today at 212-490-5700 or use the contact form for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
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09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
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08/11/2021
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06/22/2021
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04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
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03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
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02/25/2021
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
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01/18/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
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01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
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Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
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12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
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12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
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12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
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12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
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12/07/2020
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12/04/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/02/2020
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5
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12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
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12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
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07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
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07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
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07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
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07/05/2015
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06/05/2019
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
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05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT