If while walking in a parking lot I was struck by a vehicle belonging to the electric company and the driver apologizedbut drove off, what should I do?
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If while walking in a parking lot I was struck by a vehicle belonging to the electric company and the driver apologizedbut drove off, what should I do?
Asked on September 1, 2011 Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Were you injured? If you were, you are probably entitled to compensation (e.g. for medical costs; lost wages; pain and suffering if a serious or long-lasting injury), assuming that the driver was in some fashion negligent or careless (and not, for example, that you "jumped out" in front of the driver without warning. In this event, for minor injuries, you could contact the utility and seek to submit a claim for them to forward to their insurer; for more significant ones, retain an attorney to help you.
If you were not injured, then even if the driver was liable, there is no cause of action--without injury, there is nothing to receive compensation for. You can certainly complain to the utility and, if you don't like their response, to the state board of utilities; but there would be nothing to sue for.
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