California is famous for many things — some positive and some negative. For example, many people associate certain areas of the state with heavy traffic, and a fear of many drivers is that they will experience car problems while stuck in this traffic. Fortunately, a joint program organized by several state organizations, the Freeway Service Patrol, provides drivers who can help disabled motorists with several services for free, including quick repairs, tire changes or towing. Despite the benefits of these services, these workers also face hazards to their own safety as evidenced by a recent work accident involving a FSP employee.
One of these workers recently lost his life in a tragic accident. The incident reportedly happened during the afternoon hours of a day in late June. A 62-year-old man was reportedly assisting a disabled motorist on the right shoulder of the southbound lanes of I-280. Unfortunately, the driver was reportedly struck by a lumber truck driven by a 25-year-old male.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the FSP driver died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision. The driver of the lumber truck is said to have remained at the scene of the accident and is cooperating with law enforcement officers. Though the incident remains under investigation, officials do not believe that the lumber truck driver was under the influence at the time of the collision.
While many people may not assume that FSP drivers have hazardous jobs, helping stranded motorists on busy interstates is inherently risky. Unfortunately, a family is now left to cope with the unexpected death of their loved one as a result of this work accident. Most people in California are unprepared emotionally and financially for such a loss. Though surviving family members may be entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits, they may be unsure of the process — and, perhaps, unable to proceed as they cope with their loss. Fortunately, there are experienced attorneys who can help them in their pursuit of fair compensation.