Construction Worker Suffers Major Injuries in I-80 Highway Accident
A Vacaville construction worker suffered major injuries in an accident involving a reckless driver on April 25. The accident occurred along Interstate 80 eastbound, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident happened after Contra Costa Police Department deputies were chasing a man in a vehicle close to Alamo Drive around 10:23 a.m.
Driver Arrested in Highway Accident
The pursuit was called off when the driver of the Acura, age 29, began driving recklessly. As the driver passed into the construction zone, the vehicle struck a construction worker as well as his truck. The Acura driver ran after striking the worker. He was arrested later by officers with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. The driver is facing multiple felonies and suffered minor injuries.
Liability in a California Road Worker Accident Caused by a Negligent Driver
If a road worker is hurt or killed in a California highway accident caused by a motorist’s negligence, the driver may be held liable for damages. The law holds that if a negligent driver causes an accident due to speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, driving while impaired or any other act of carelessness that results in injury or death to a road worker, the driver may be legally responsible for compensating the injured worker or their family.
Factors That Are Considered in California Courts
California courts will consider the facts and circumstances of each case when determining liability in a road worker highway accident. Factors that may be taken into consideration include whether or not the driver was acting recklessly, if they had adequate notice of the presence of a road worker and if they had sufficient time to take appropriate safety precautions. The court may also consider whether the driver had a duty to act with care on behalf of not just themselves but individuals in their vicinity.
Punitive Damages May Be Awarded in Some Cases
In addition to compensatory damages, California courts can also award punitive damages for reckless or intentional acts of negligence that resulted in harm to a road worker. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter other drivers from acting in a similarly negligent manner. If a driver causes a highway accident that results in injury or death to a road worker, they could be liable for both compensatory as well as punitive damages.
Compensation Recovery in a Personal Injury Case
When a negligent driver injures someone, the following compensation may be recovered:
- Medical expenses: All of the medical expenses incurred by the injured party are recoverable. This includes ambulance, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physician bills and the cost of rehabilitation.
- Wages: When someone is injured by a negligent driver or entity and cannot work, the pay they didn’t receive can be claimed, as well as their job benefits.
- Non-economic damages: The injured party can receive compensation for the physical and psychological pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Vacaville Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Vacaville personal injury lawyer. Working on highway crews is a dangerous job, and if a negligent driver injures you, you may be able to recover compensation. To find out whether you can file a compensation claim, call (707) 564-1900 for free and friendly advice from our accident attorneys. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us an online message.
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Photo attribution: Image by Valter Cirillo from Pixabay
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