Work zones and distracted driving are a deadly mix

If you are a frequent driver in Virginia, chances are you have frequently encountered road crews. These men and women may be repaving a road or replacing a culvert. Whatever the reason for their presence, the Virginia Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers to pay attention.

The statewide safety compliance manager of VDOT said that because the noise level is so high when working, hand signals and eye contact are used for communication. He also said that these workers are so focused on their job that they hope drivers are paying attention. Last year, though, seven people lost their lives in work zone crashes.

While there were fewer work zone auto accidents in 2015 than in 2014, drivers must remain aware of what is going on at times. Driving while texting, talking on the phone, eating, messing with the radio and doing other tasks can result in an accident happening in a split second. Those actions can cost a worker his or her life and completely change the lives of his or her family members. In addition, the distracted driver and his or her passengers can suffer injuries or death, as can the occupants of other vehicles on the roadway.

If you have suffered an injury because of a distracted driver, then you have a right to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and much more. If the insurance companies refuse to settle your claim or the settlement offer is not full and fair, you have a right to take the distracted driver and his or her insurance company to court.

There are time limits in place for filing a personal injury case in Virginia. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and help you file a lawsuit in a timely manner so you don’t sacrifice your right to seek compensation for your losses, damages and injuries.

Source: wtop.com, “Official: Don’t drive distracted through Virginia work zones,” Max Smith, April 12, 2016