This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, a critical time for everyone, especially those in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Riverside, San Diego, and surrounding areas, to reflect on road safety and the well-being of work zone personnel. Ensuring the safety of workers on our highways and roadways is paramount, and their safe return home to loved ones each day is a top priority.

To maintain road safety, particularly for workers in roadway work zones, we must adhere to several basic safety precautions:

• Following safety signs and reducing speed.
• Exercising caution and watching out for workers.
• Avoiding unnecessary lane changes.
• Refraining from using mobile phones or other devices while driving.
• Activating headlights for visibility.
• Exercising additional caution during evening hours when road conditions may change temporarily or unexpected differences in the roadway may arise.
• Practicing patience and allowing extra time to navigate through construction zones.
• Maintaining ample space between vehicles and workers while driving in work zones.

California has implemented the Move Over Law to enhance safety for maintenance and emergency vehicles near moving traffic on highways. By providing adequate space between your vehicle and maintenance or emergency vehicles, many collisions can be prevented.

The Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down if unable to change lanes, when passing vehicles with flashing amber lights. Additionally, drivers must pull over to allow moving emergency vehicles to pass.

Unfortunately, a split-second of inattention can lead to catastrophic injuries for workers, emergency responders, or fellow drivers and passengers. In the blink of an eye, someone's life, including your own, can be irrevocably altered, resulting in lifelong injuries or even loss of life. We can all take a few extra seconds or minutes to prevent such life-altering outcomes by remaining alert and preventing injuries to others.

At Dordick Law Corporation, we witness the aftermath of major accidents, including work zone incidents. Clients often approach us after enduring life-altering injuries or the loss of a loved one. Our objective is to assist these clients in seeking justice and compensation for their injuries and losses.

Workers injured in work zones may have recourse under workers' compensation law, personal injury law, and employment law. If a worker sustains injuries while working in a work zone, they may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Additionally, they may have grounds for a personal injury claim against a third party for negligence, or negligence per se, and may also pursue claims in the employment law realm. Employers are generally prohibited from retaliating against employees with disabilities or wrongfully terminating workers based on disabilities or medical leave requests.

Injured workers should promptly consult an attorney after seeking medical treatment, as there are often strict timelines to file a claim. If the claim involves a government entity, the filing deadline may be as short as 6 months. Seeking legal advice ensures that workers are aware of their rights, options, and filing timelines. Many workers are unaware of the legal avenues available to them or how to pursue compensation claims. That's why we offer a free consultation. You can call us at (310) 551-0949 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury circumstances or the loss of a loved one and potential legal claims.

Depending on the client's needs and case specifics, litigation goals may include compensation to cover necessary care, such as life care plans, physical therapy, surgery, or lost wages. Each case is unique and requires comprehensive analysis. We adopt a holistic approach to assess the situation and pursue legal avenues to help workers achieve the best possible outcome and life circumstances following accidents or injuries.

Preventing catastrophic events is paramount. Please prioritize road safety and remain vigilant for construction workers, maintenance crews, emergency vehicles, and their personnel. Taking a few extra seconds on the road to ensure safety for yourself, your loved ones, and others is a small price to pay.