May 28, 2015- Richmond, VA
At approximately 3:00 AM, a tractor trailer struck a truck in a work zone along I-95 near mile marker 75, causing both vehicles to catch fire upon impact.
Thankfully, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the driver of the tractor trailer was not injured and that the work vehicle involved was unoccupied at the time of the crash.
Those who work in roadside work zones are at increased risk for injury and death. In Virginia last year, there were 4,068 work zone crashes resulting in 1,857 injuries and 15 fatalities.
For those injured on the job, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act provides for benefits including medical expense coverage, temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, educational assistance, and death benefits.
However, workers are not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for an injury or death caused by their own willful misconduct and/or negligence.
To reduce the risk for roadside workers, the Virginia Department of Transportation recommends that drivers passing roadside work zones minimize distractions, pay close attention to work zone signs and flaggers, reduce their speed and refrain from tailgating or changing lanes.
If you or a loved one was injured on the job, contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at ReidGoodwin today to schedule a legal evaluation.