Q: Who is responsible for any persons hurt by a utility line down on the road that they have drove over?
I was injured by a power line while on the back of a motorcycle it was layed across the road brought down by a tree.
A: The utility may be- but there has to be proof the utility knew or should have known the line was down and for a sufficient time that the utility could respond. If the line went down as the result of storm- and had just fallen the utility generally wouldn't be liable.
Anthony M. Avery agrees with this answer
A:
That's so scary. I hope you're doing okay. That's certainly a life-threatening situation.
There are dozens of possibilities of people or entities who could have responsibility for the wire on the ground. For example, did someone hit a pole with a vehicle? Did the utility company not properly maintain trees around the line? The good news for you, legally, is that because you were a passenger on the vehicle you likely cannot be faulted for any of your injuries. So, whether there is just one party to blame or multiple parties to blame, you should have options for recovery.
I recommend talking with John Griffith in Nashville. (615) 823-8233. John is the president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and is well-qualified to help you determine who has responsibility for your injuries.
A: That would be a Government Tort Liability Case against the Utility, but a Personal Injury Case against the cycle pilot. The GTLA will govern how you go after it. If you have injuries, you will need to hire a competent attorney fast.
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