Utility lineworkers who perform electrical repairs along roads and highways face one of the most hazardous work environments imaginable—exposed to live electrical equipment on one side and moving traffic on the other. Despite traffic control measures, warning signs, and high-visibility gear, struck-by accidents remain a leading cause of serious injury and death among roadside utility workers. When a vehicle enters a work zone and strikes a lineworker, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic and life-changing.
Common Injuries in Struck-By Accidents
The force involved when a moving vehicle strikes a person on foot is rarely minor. Lineworkers injured in these incidents commonly suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussion to severe brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries with potential for partial or complete paralysis
- Multiple fractures including pelvis, legs, and arms
- Internal organ damage requiring emergency surgical intervention
- Crush injuries to the lower extremities
- Psychological trauma including PTSD following the incident
Even injuries that appear less severe initially—soft tissue damage, back injuries, or concussions—can produce lasting symptoms that significantly affect a lineworker’s ability to return to a physically demanding job.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Struck-By Incident
California workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage for injuries sustained on the job, including those caused by third-party negligence. Benefits available through a workers’ comp claim include:
- Full medical coveragefor emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Temporary disability benefitsreplacing a portion of lost wages during recovery
- Permanent disability compensationif lasting physical or neurological impairment affects earning capacity
- Death benefitsfor the families of lineworkers who do not survive the incident
Given the severity of injuries typical in vehicle strike accidents, temporary disability benefits may continue for an extended period, and permanent disability awards in these cases can be substantial.
Pursuing a Third-Party Personal Injury Claim
When the vehicle that struck the lineworker was operated by someone other than the employer or a coworker, a separate personal injury claim against that driver is available in addition to workers’ comp. This is one of the most significant legal opportunities in struck-by cases because a third-party claim can recover:
- Full lost wagesrather than the partial replacement provided by workers’ comp
- Pain and suffering damages
- Future medical expensesbeyond what workers’ comp covers
- Loss of earning capacityif the lineworker cannot return to the trade
If the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, their employer may also share liability. If inadequate traffic control measures contributed to the accident—whether due to a general contractor’s failure, a government agency’s negligence, or another party’s decisions—additional third-party claims may exist.
Steps to Take Following the Incident
To protect both your workers’ comp and third-party claims:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately
- Seek emergency medical attention and follow up consistently with all recommended care
- Preserve any evidence from the scene, including photographs, witness contact information, and traffic control setup
- Obtain the police or incident report as soon as it becomes available
- Consult an attorney before providing recorded statements to any insurance company
If you or a family member has been injured in a roadside struck-by accident while performing utility work, PLBH can help you pursue the full range of benefits and legal claims available to you. Call (800) 435-7542 to speak with a California workers’ compensation attorney today.