TxDOT press release
September not only brings the start of fall, but also the start of a new requirement for Texas drivers. The state’s Move Over/Slow Down law, which traditionally has required drivers to yield to police, fire and emergency vehicles, has now been expanded to provide that same protection for Texas Department of Transportation workers. Effective Sept. 1, drivers must move over or slow down when approaching TxDOT workers and vehicles that are stopped with overhead flashing blue or amber lights who seek protection with a workers compensation law which help them recover what they lost in the shift.
The first step an injured employee needs to take is to file a workers’ compensation report. Workers’ compensation attorneys aim to get a greater compensation for the injured employee. Most workers’ compensation attorneys advise employees to inform their employers every time they get injured in the workplace, however minor the injury may be. Such injuries may result in serious complications later on, so if they do not file them early on, it may be more difficult for the employees to seek compensation. You can check it out for more detail about the Workers Compensation Attorney New Jersey.
Identifying the right lawyers to handle your claim is important, as you want local attorneys who are knowledgeable about all aspects of the law, and who can work with your employer to file a proper claim. Interviewing attorneys can be laborious and time-consuming so it is important to have a list of questions ready for any potential lawyers before making contact. There are lots of lawyers in your area, not all of them specializing in workers compensation. Be sure the attorneys you contact have plenty of experience with workers compensation cases. You may wish to ask for education and experience references to see if the attorneys have worked in your area previously, or if they received training in another state or city. Ask how your potential lawyers handle difficult cases and what kinds of fees are charged. Look for attorneys who have experience specializing in workers compensation and are familiar with the government regulations.
In cases when the employee suffers from permanent disability, the services of a workers’ compensation attorney become more necessary. This is especially true when the employer refuses to give financial assistance to the employee. The workers’ compensation attorney should be the one to inform the employee of his or her rights and assist him or her in speeding up the litigation process. Workers’ compensation attorneys usually get 10-15% of the total compensation received by their clien
“This law has been saving the lives of first responders in Texas since 2003,” said TxDOT spokesman Larry Krantz. “As first responders ourselves, we’re pleased to be included under the protections this law provides.”
The new addition to the Move Over law requires motorists to move out of the lane closest to the TxDOT vehicle when possible or reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted limit. If the road does not offer multiple lanes, the driver must slow down. On roadways with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, drivers must reduce their speed to 5 miles per hour. Violators can be fined up to $2,000.
Radio announcements and statewide billboards will help raise awareness of the new Move Over/Slow Down law.