Road safety crucial to avoid cross-border personal injury

Of all the motorists that travel across the border between British Columbia and Washington state, a significant percentage are workers that travel as part of their jobs. These include professional drivers in large commercial trucks, courier vans or taxis. Sales representatives travel to and from clients, and construction company owners or employees travel between construction sites. They all face the risks of cross-border personal injury.

For all these workers, road safety is crucial, for themselves and those motorists who share the roads with them. Employers are responsible for the safety of their workers, and that responsibility includes making sure the vehicles the workers use are subject to regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working order. Reportedly, more than one-third of work-related deaths involve auto accidents.

The consequences of car accidents can have a significant impact on the financial stability of workers. They may be eligible for compensation through the workers’ compensation insurance system. However, if vehicle accidents result from the negligence of another driver, there may also be grounds for a civil lawsuit. The same may apply if a mechanical failure of an engine part caused the crash.

When such an accident happens while the driver is south of the border, recovering damages is significantly more complicated because the laws of both countries come into play. This is where the skills of a cross-border personal injury lawyer in British Columbia can be a valuable asset in the plaintiff’s corner. Legal counsel can assess the circumstances, identify the negligent party and navigate ensuing legal proceedings in pursuit of a judgment for monetary damages.