Often when we write about personal injury lawsuits being filed as a result of a motor vehicle accident, it is in the context of a driver of another vehicle being named as a defendant. While this is appropriate in many situations, in certain circumstances it may be appropriate for other individuals or entities to be on the receiving end of such a civil lawsuit.
A truck driver who was injured in a Pennsylvania truck accident several years ago recently filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Amtrak and a city in Pennsylvania.
The man's injuries occurred when the truck's tailpipes hit the bottom of a railroad bridge. In the lawsuit the man claims that there were no signs indicating the height of the bridge. In addition, he indicates that the named defendants were negligent in failing to properly maintain the bridge. He also claimed they should have taken steps to prevent vandals from removing signs on the bridge.
The man reported was unable to work for some time and accrued medical bills as a result of the following injuries:
- Left rotator cuff tear
- Urinary incontinence induced by the trauma of the accident
- Damage to his nervous system
- A bulging disc in his back
Whenever someone is seriously injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle, it is important to first get proper medical attention. After that, it is often a good idea to contact a lawyer who handles personal injury lawsuits. In situations where the accident is due to the negligence of another person, it may be possible to recover monetary damages.
Source: The Pennsylvania Record, "Tractor-trailer driver sues Amtrak, PennDOT and City of Chester over railroad bridge incident," Jon Campisi, May 13, 2013