Whether you’re a worker with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or trying to share the road with one of their trucks, accidents can happen. Normally, they have to make sudden stops or have to do work in crowded areas–or less crowded areas with not a lot of room to maneuver. This is dangerous for drivers, but also for workers out of the vehicle. As a recent story from KHQ details, such an accident left two people injured–one of whom was a WSDOT worker.
According to a release from the WSDOT, a worker was seriously injured when he was struck by a driver who failed to slow down, pinning him between the two vehicles on Monday, October 28, 2024. The worker, along with his WSDOT partner, were trying to remove a dead deer from the roadway on Mt. Spokane Park Drive. Unfortunately, a driver failed to heed the stopped WSDOT truck with flashing lights, as well as the one worker who was directing traffic around the other.
The driver then collided with the other worker. The worker had to be airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries, while the driver that hit him suffered head trauma in the collision. They were also transported to a local hospital.
What Options Do You Have as an Injured WSDOT Worker?
Accidents like the one above show just how dangerous it can be to be a WSDOT worker. Not only do you have to worry about normal workplace dangers, but also those associated with the negligence of other drivers. But when you’re hurt, you do have certain options. Most notably, you can file an injury claim to take care of any “damages.”
Specifically though, you can either:
- File an insurance claim out of court
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault person
Our team can guide you through both processes to help you recover what you’re owed, known as “damages.” While it depends on the circumstances, it generally doesn’t matter whether you were at work or not, you can file a claim to recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death benefits in fatal accidents
No one wants to get hurt on the job or otherwise, but when it happens, knowing you have options can ease some stress. Remember, if you decide to file an injury claim in Washington, you’ll need to do so within three years of your accident date.
CCD Law Helps Injury Victims in Spokane
When you get injured in an accident in Spokane, it’s important to know that experienced help is available. Since 1948, CCD Law has represented injury victims throughout the area. Whether you’re hurt in a car accident as a driver, pedestrian, or passenger, our team can guide you through the legal process to make sure you have what you need to get better. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case and your potential options.
