Worker Killed In Work Zone Accident Caused By Speeding Driver

As the saying goes, speed kills. Even if you avoid harming yourself, your actions may have consequences for others. Being in a hurry can lead to serious or fatal accidents.

Sadly, this recently happened to a woman working in a work zone in New York. The laborers’ union member and flagger died a violent death after she was hit by a car and thrown 168 feet  while working in a construction zone on the Nassau Expressway. Her death made headlines after the driver admitted to speeding so he could get something to eat at a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, was arrested in connection with the crash. He was going an estimated 60 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. He allegedly drove into the traffic drums before hitting the worker. The driver did not stop and offer medical assistance. Instead, he continued driving and was found one mile from the work site. That was where he had called for an ambulance to treat hand injuries suffered in the impact.

When police arrived, they noticed the car’s windshield was shattered. The roof and hood of his vehicle were covered in fluorescent marks. The front end of the vehicle also sustained significant damage. In addition, blood and glass were found inside the vehicle.

The man admitted he was speeding and not paying attention to his surroundings. He had just woken up and was in a rush because he wanted to get something to eat from Dunkin’ Donuts.

The man also told police he thought he hit a barrel and blacked out. He was unaware he was in a construction zone “until the last minute.” The man faces multiple criminal charges, including manslaughter, assault, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. The man’s driver’s license had been suspended seven times prior to this most recent accident. If convicted, the man faces up to 22 years in prison.

The worker, a 44-year-old woman from The Bronx, was flagging traffic on a ramp from the Nassau Expressway leading to the Van Wyck Expressway, in Queens. She was holding a “STOP/SLOW” paddle in the construction area while wearing a hard hat and fluorescent reflective visibility vest. The worker had expressed worries about being struck by a car while on the job. Her family called her a beautiful soul and a selfless, hardworking woman. They hope justice is served.

Contact Us for More Information About Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Anyone who works in the construction industry knows about the dangers in the workplace. Those who work on jobsites and in work zones face risks every day.

Employers are required to take steps to maintain a safe workplace for their employees, but sometimes accidents can still happen. Get the help you need from a White Plains workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. Fill out the online form or call (914) 228-1770 to schedule a consultation with our office today.

Source:

enr.com/articles/61412-violent-work-zone-death-of-new-york-city-laborer-makes-headline-news