Riding in the back of a truck might seem like fun, especially for young kids. It might also be convenient if you have one truck and several passengers. However, this seemingly harmless conduct comes with significant risks and legal implications. In Ohio, there are laws and regulations to ensure safety when riding in pickup trucks.
If you were involved in an incident involving a pickup truck with passengers in the back, or you were riding in the back yourself, consult an Ohio truck accident lawyer who understands traffic safety laws for professional support. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we understand all relevant traffic laws and can help apply them to ensure you obtain justice.
This article discusses the legality and how old you have to be to ride in the back of a truck and what steps to take if you find yourself in such a scenario.
Riding in the back of a truck exposes passengers to numerous dangers that are often overlooked. Unlike the interior of a vehicle, the bed of a truck does not offer seat belts, airbags, or any other form of restraint. Passengers are completely vulnerable to the elements and the forces generated by the truck’s movement. Here are some of the primary dangers associated with riding in the back of a truck:
The most significant danger is the risk of being ejected from the truck bed. If the driver makes a sudden stop, swerves, or is involved in a collision, passengers in the back can be thrown out. Ejection often results in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even death.
The truck bed offers no protection from the elements or external forces. Passengers are exposed to wind, debris, and other environmental factors that can cause harm. Additionally, in the event of a crash, there are no barriers to prevent direct contact with other vehicles or road hazards.
If an accident occurs, injuries sustained by passengers in the back of a truck are typically more severe than those seated inside the cabin. Without seat belts or airbags, the force of impact is not mitigated and can lead to more devastating consequences.
Passengers in the back of a truck have no control over their safety. They are entirely reliant on the driver’s actions and decisions. Even a minor mistake by the driver, such as hitting a pothole or taking a turn too quickly, can result in passengers losing their balance or being thrown from the vehicle.
The legal age for riding in the back of a truck varies by state, and in some cases, by municipality. Ohio Open Cargo Law forbids carrying passengers in the open cargo area of most vehicles. It is illegal for individuals under 16 to ride in an unenclosed area of a vehicle traveling at speeds exceeding 25 mph.
This regulation protects young passengers from the significant risks associated with riding in an unprotected area of the vehicle. It’s necessary to understand and adhere to these laws to ensure the safety of young passengers and avoid legal consequences.
However, according to Section 4511.51-E, there are a few exceptions to this rule. One exception is if the back area of the truck has a properly secured seat with a compliant seatbelt and the passenger is seated and buckled. Another exception is if there is an emergency that threatens the life of the driver or passenger.
Note that those over 16 years old can ride in the back of a truck under special circumstances. This includes scenarios where you are doing some street, highway, or construction work that permits you to ride in the tailgate of a truck or cargo area.
Ohio has specific laws that regulate who can ride in the back of a truck and under what conditions. These laws aim to protect passengers from the inherent dangers associated with riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Your truck accident lawyer can explain these laws to help you understand your legal standing.
Generally, Ohio law generally prohibits passengers from riding in the back of a pickup truck on public roads unless certain conditions are met. These conditions include situations where the truck is being used for agricultural purposes, during official parades, or in cases of emergencies.
Also, Ohio law provides some flexibility when a truck is used for farming or other agricultural activities. Passengers may ride in the back of a truck when used on farmland or when traveling a short distance on public roads for agricultural purposes. However, even in these scenarios, safety precautions should be taken to minimize risk.
Violating Ohio’s laws regarding riding in the back of a truck can result in serious legal consequences. These penalties are in place to enforce the safety of all passengers. Here’s what you need to know about the potential penalties for violations:
If a driver is caught allowing passengers to ride in the back of a truck illegally, they may be issued a citation and fined. The fine amount depends on the specific circumstances and whether the violation is a first-time offense or a repeat occurrence.
For instance, a parent who leaves their child unsupervised will be jailed for 180 days and pay up to $1,000 in fines. Violating children’s safety laws in Ohio attracts a $25–$75 fine for the first offense and up to $250 for the second violation. The offense could also attract jail time of up to 30 days.
In the event of an accident, the driver may be held legally responsible for any injuries or damages that occur as a result of passengers riding in the back of the truck. This liability means that you or your insurance company is responsible for covering damages resulting from the truck accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
In severe cases, particularly if the violation results in catastrophic injury or death, the driver may face criminal charges. In Ohio, these charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. This largely depends on the severity of the incident and the level of negligence involved.
For example, if convicted of vehicular homicide, a driver could face two to ten years in jail and a driver’s license suspension for three to ten years.
If you were injured in a pickup truck accident, particularly if you were riding in the back of the truck, it is important to take the appropriate steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
If you are injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will evaluate your injury to determine its seriousness and offer proper medications. Also, they can address the hidden injuries that may become life-threatening if not promptly treated. Note that medical treatment documents are key in proving your truck accident claim.
All accidents involving personal injury, fatality, or damages of $1,000 or more should be reported to the police for an official crash report. A police report is often persuasive evidence to insurance companies to show liability. Ensure you provide an accurate account of what happened to the responding officer, including any relevant details about your position in the truck.
Truck laws and regulations can be complicated, making it difficult to pursue justice on your own. The various laws and regulations have unique implications, and it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. A truck accident attorney will explain your legal rights and evaluate your case to determine how best to go about your case.
Afterward, your lawyer will initiate a claim to seek compensation for the losses you incurred as a result of the accident. They will look into how the truck accident impacted your life to determine the true value of your claim.
Having a lawyer is imperative to ensuring that your rights and interests are protected and that you obtain adequate compensation for your truck accident-related losses. Call an Ohio truck accident lawyer at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz at (937) 222.2222 today or contact us online to get started.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
Keep up to Date with Our Newest Firm Updates
When a dog bite incident occurs, many people wonder: “How many times can a dog bite before being put down?” This question not only reflects a concern for safety but […]
Electrical injuries are among the most severe types of accidents, often causing lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims and their families. Understanding what are the four main types […]
You may be wondering: “What is a mass tort?” These cases are unique legal actions that allow a large group of people, all harmed by the same product or action, […]
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 1.937.222.2222
