Can You File an Injury Claim for a PGE Truck Crash?

Posted on September 12, 2022 in Truck Accidents

Portland General Electric (PGE) vehicles are a common sight in and around Portland and the surrounding areas. These utility vehicles are incredibly important when it comes to maintaining the electrical system so we can live comfortably. However, accidents involving PGE vehicles can lead to significant injuries and extensive property damage. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common ways that accidents involving these vehicles occur as well as who may be held liable after a crash.

How These Crashes Occur?

Accidents involving utility trucks, such as PGE vehicles, how much more common than most people realize. The reality is that these vehicles are typically larger than traditional cars on the roadway, and they do not operate in the same way that regular vehicles do. The purpose of these vehicles is meant to be more rugged and heavy-duty, so they can go about the job they were meant to accomplish.

In most cases, drivers must have their commercial driver’s license in order to operate these utility vehicles. Despite having this type of license, driver error is one of the main causes of PGE truck accidents in Portland and the surrounding areas. Driver negligence can occur in a wide variety of ways, including the driver:

  • Operating the vehicle while impaired
  • Operating the vehicle while intoxicated
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Becoming distracted behind the wheel
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Disobeying basic traffic laws

If the driver of the PGE vehicle fails to uphold the duty of care that they owe others around them, the electric company could be held liable for the driver’s actions. Typically, employers are held responsible for the actions of their employees, so long as the employee was carrying out job-related duties at the time of the incident occurred.

Additionally, the company itself could be held responsible if it failed to regularly inspect and maintain its vehicles, thereby allowing an unsafe vehicles on the roadway.

Securing Compensation for a PGE Vehicle Accident

Recovering compensation after an accident with a PGE vehicle can be challenging. Most accident claims will be resolved through a settlement with the insurance carrier for PGE, but the insurance carrier may push back. It will be crucial to determine the liability of the PGE driver for the utility company. This liability can be determined by using photographs taken at the incident occurred, surveillance footage, accident reports, vehicle black box data, and more.

Individuals harmed as a result of the negligence of a PGE driver or the company itself may be able to recover various types of compensation. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Coverage of all medical expenses related to the injuries
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of quality of life damages
  • Property damage expenses
  • Lost income if the victim cannot work
  • Various out-of-pocket losses the victim incurs

The total amount of compensation paid to a PGE accident victim in Portland or the surrounding areas will vary depending on several factors. This includes the severity of the injuries, whether or not a person has to miss work while recovering, total property damage losses, and how much pain and suffering can be documented. Contact our Portland truck accident lawyers today.