Traffic Injuries at Louisiana Worksites
In certain areas around Shreveport, there are higher risks of traffic collisions resulting in severe injuries. Crashes in roadway work zones can be particularly dangerous for workers in those areas, as well as pedestrians or bicyclists nearby. In fact, crashes in roadway work areas are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), and tens of thousands of nonfatal injuries are reported every year. For anyone walking or cycling near a roadway work zone, or for any worker in one of these areas, it is essential to know that you may be eligible to file an auto injury lawsuit to seek compensation. One of the experienced Shreveport personal injury attorneys at Rice & Kendig can provide you with more information. Call us at 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
Understanding Driver Negligence in Work Zones
Whether you are at work in a road work zone, or you are walking or cycling near road work, it is essential to understand the dangers posed by negligent motorists in these areas. While clear signs instruct drivers to slow down in work zones, much too often, motorists still drive too fast through these areas or are distracted behind the wheel.
When a driver does not slow down appropriately given the work zone conditions, or pay proper attention, they can be liable for injuries that occur. When accidents do occur, it’s important to gather as much information as possible at the scene, including photograph and video evidence, witness information, and police reports. It’s also critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that you can be properly assessed for injuries and so that your medical record can serve as evidence in your claim.
How Injured Workers Can Seek Compensation
What about construction workers or transportation department workers who are injured at Louisiana roadway worksites? These parties may have multiple options for seeking compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits are often an option, which provide no-fault compensation to pay for medical care and a portion of lost wages. At the same time, work zone crashes are often caused by negligent motorists, so it’s possible for injured workers to not only to seek workers’ compensation benefits, but also to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
These types of lawsuits for injured workers are known as third-party claims and can be brought when someone other than an employer or co-worker is liable for injuries. Third-party work injury claims are especially common in traffic crashes at worksites because negligent motorists are often at fault for these wrecks and resulting injuries. Like other civil lawsuits, you will only have a limited amount of time to file a claim, so it is important to seek advice from a Shreveport personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Shreveport Auto Injury Attorney at Rice & Kendig Today
Whether you were injured in a motor vehicle crash while working at a road work site, or while driving or walking or bicycling near one, you may be eligible to file a claim to seek compensation for injuries and losses. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced Shreveport auto injury lawyer at Rice & Kendig today to find out more about how we can assist you with your case.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/roadway-incidents/#:~:text=Injuries%20resulting%20from%20roadway%20incidents,54%2C830%20DAFW%20cases%20were%20reported