Dothan, Alabama Bucket Truck / Cherry Pick Accident Lawyer

Bucket trucks enable workers to perform tasks at significant heights, whether it’s fixing electrical or telephone lines, washing windows, or trimming trees. However, this type of equipment is particularly dangerous. Bucket truck accidents may involve electrocutions or falls from great heights. These can lead to serious injuries or even death.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bucket truck accident in Alabama, contact the experienced Dothan bucket truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Gartlan Injury Law today. We will explain your legal rights and answer all your questions in a free consultation.

What Is a Bucket Truck?

A bucket truck is a work truck with an attached aerial lift. These trucks are designed to lift people into the air to perform work at heights. These trucks are commonly seen on highways, side streets, and country roads throughout Alabama. While many people think of bucket trucks as utility vehicles for work on power lines, they can actually be used for many different tasks. Other names for bucket trucks include cherry pickers, fruit pickers, boom lifts, truck mounts, basket cranes, and man lifts.

Who May Be Hurt in a Bucket Truck Accident?

Some of the occupations that use bucket trucks on the job include:

• Utility workers
• Construction workers
• Electrical workers
• Telephone line employees
• Billboard workers
• Tree trimmers
• Commercial roofers
• Firefighters
• Miners
• Cleaning and maintenance staff
• Window cleaners

What Are Common Types of Bucket Truck Accidents?

Common types of bucket truck accidents include:

• Falling or being ejected from the lift
• Electrocution resulting from contact with power lines
• Overturned bucket trucks
• Collisions with moving bucket trucks
• Hydraulic power failures that result in the bucket losing control
• Crushing someone passing beneath the bucket truck

How Do Bucket Truck Accidents Happen?

Most bucket truck injuries happen as a result of the boom being moved improperly, whether by operator error or due to equipment malfunction.

Common causes of bucket truck accidents include:

• Improperly designed and maintained trucks
• Poor positioning of the truck
• Unsafe use
• Lack of proper warning to those nearby

Are Bucket Trucks More Dangerous Than Other Equipment?

Bucket trucks present a unique set of hazards. Dangers include the risk of falls, the potential for tipping over, an increased possibility of collision with other objects, and contact with power lines.

Because working at great heights is part of using bucket trucks, many things can and do go wrong. Bucket trucks have, on average, a maximum working height of about 50 feet. Even the smallest mistake can result in an accident causing serious injuries or death.

Bucket trucks are often rented on a per-job basis for tasks that may involve tree trimming, painting, or installation of particular items. People who rent these trucks may not be trained professionals. They do not always receive proper instruction on how to use them. As a result, accidents can impact nearby motorists and pedestrians.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After an Accident Involving a Cherry Picker?

Every bucket truck accident is different. It’s very important that the accident be thoroughly investigated as soon as possible to determine the potential causes and liable parties. The responsible parties may include:

• Truck owners: Bucket trucks require regular maintenance to make sure everything is functioning properly. Operators must also be trained in the proper use of the equipment.
• Premises owners: Property owners could be responsible when a bucket truck accident occurs during work on their premises.
• Employers: Workers who are injured on the job may file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer.
• Manufacturers: Bucket trucks should be designed to provide a safe and stable bucket from which operators can work. An error in the manufacturing process could be responsible for bucket instability or lack of other safety features.

What Types of Compensation Are Available For Bucket Truck Injuries?

Alabama law requires employers with five full-time employees or more to provide workers’ compensation benefits. If you are not covered by workers’ compensation, your only remedy against your employer is the Employer’s Liability Act. This law allows an injured employee to pursue a claim of negligence against the employer. Employees may be able to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, permanent injury, and emotional distress.

If your bucket truck accident is covered by Alabama workers’ compensation, the employer’s insurance carrier must pay your related medical bills and two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you are unable to work. If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a lump-sum settlement when you return to work. If you are unable to return to your previous job and no accommodation can be made by your employer, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as long as you are unable to work.

Under Alabama law, you cannot sue your employer for simple negligence if you were injured on the job. However, if the party responsible for your injury was not your employer or a coworker, you can bring a personal injury claim against that at-fault party. This would be in addition to your Alabama workers’ compensation benefits.

What Should I Do If I Have Been in an Accident Involving a Bucket Truck?

• See a doctor. Your first priority should be your health. Get medical treatment immediately. Seeing a doctor will also enable you to properly document your injuries, which will help in any claim for compensation.
• Contact law enforcement. Police will arrive at the accident scene and complete an accident report, which can help preserve the evidence.
• Take pictures. If you are able, take photos at the scene of the accident. Or ask someone to do this for you. Take photos from multiple angles and include shots of the bucket truck and your injuries.
• Collect contact information. Gather as much information as possible, including the names of those involved and contact information for any witnesses.
• Contact an experienced attorney. A lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all possible sources of compensation. Your lawyer will also fight for the maximum compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Talk to a Bucket Truck/Cherry Pick Accident Lawyer in Dothan, AL Now

At the law firm of Gartlan Injury Law, we have a proven track record of successfully handling bucket truck and cherry picker accident claims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bucket truck accident in Dothan or elsewhere in Alabama, our workplace injury lawyers are ready to help. Call our bucket truck accident lawyers now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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