Riding in the bed of a pickup can affect your right to compensation after an accident.
Woman Fatally Injured After Falling from a Pickup Truck
According to a KSAT News report, a woman died of her injuries at the hospital after falling off a truck during an argument.
Police reported the accident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24th, at an apartment complex on the 17800 block of La Cantera Terrace. Officers and first responders found the woman at the scene with critical head injuries and rushed her to the hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses told police that the woman was arguing with a man before he drove away in a pickup truck, and she held on to it before she fell off and hit her head. When caught, the driver will be charged with failure to stop and render aid.
Did You Know?
If anyone is injured in a car accident in Texas, you are required to report the accident to the police.
Is It Legal to Ride in the Bed of a Pickup Truck in Texas?
Pickup trucks are a very popular vehicle in Texas.
It’s not uncommon to see farm equipment, furniture, and even people being transported in the back of a pickup. But, while there are no legal restrictions on adults riding in the bed of a pickup, it’s not safe, and doing so may affect your right to compensation if you’re hurt.
Yes, Adults Can Ride in the Bed of a Pickup in Texas
You are legally allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup if you are 18 or older.
It is illegal to transport a minor in the bed of a pickup unless:
- It is an emergency situation,
- It is your family’s only mode of transportation,
- You are in a parade,
- You are transporting farm equipment from field to field or on non-municipality roads,
- You’re on the beach,
- Or you’re offering hayrides approved by local authorities.
That being said, riding in a pickup bed is incredibly dangerous, and you should avoid transporting children this way whenever possible.
Can I Sue for Injuries If I Was Riding in the Bed of a Pickup?
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, even if you were in the truck bed at the time of the accident.
However, riding in the bed of a pickup is inherently risky. This can create barriers to compensation, such as:
- Insurance companies blame you for your injuries, claiming you wouldn’t have been hurt if you had been riding in the passenger compartment,
- And a judge/jury may reduce your compensation due to the inherent risks of riding in a truck bed.
If you were riding in the truck bed when you were hurt, you should talk to an attorney about your case. This is the best way to ensure that you aren’t wrongfully denied compensation for your injuries.
Were You Injured While Riding in a Truck Bed in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Missed Work,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.