California Injury Blog
A worker at a construction site was injured after a car crashed into the site and knocked the worker into a 20-foot-deep hole. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Ball Road the night of July 29. The man had been performing shoring work in preparation for sewer reconstruction Anaheim fire officials said. The driver crashed into the construction site hitting some equipment. This caused the worker to fall into the hole. He suffered musculoskeletal injuries and could not get himself out, officials said.
Driver Tried to Leave the Scene
It took emergency personnel about an hour to lift the worker out by using a basket. He was transported to a trauma center and was said to be alert when he was loaded onto the ambulance. He is expected to survive. Anaheim police said the driver of the vehicle, who wasn’t injured, tried to leave the car and the scene.
Other workers at the construction site pointed out the driver to the police and he was promptly arrested. Details about what led to the crash are still under investigation. Police don’t believe alcohol or drugs were factors. The driver was arrested on suspicion of hit and run and for having a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding warrant.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured worker. We are relieved to not that his injuries are not life-threatening. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Causes and Compensation Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the vehicle crashed into a marked construction site. However, at this point, it’s not clear why he crashed into the site. Police say alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be involved. Was the driver distracted by a cell phone or something else? Was the driver fatigued or inattentive? Was he traveling at an excessive rate of speed? It also appears he was driving on a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant. In addition, police say he tried to flee the scene of this injury accident, which is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).
In this case, in addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, the injured worker could also file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle and potentially other responsible parties. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their rights.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2019/07/30/vehicle-hits-construction-equipment-in-anaheim-worker-knocked-into-15-foot-deep-hole-and-is-rescued/