When individuals hear the term workers’ comp benefits, they typically think of injuries like machine accidents that happen at the workplace. However, truck and car accidents that occur during the workday while individuals carry out their official work duties can also qualify as job-related injuries. In fact, in a single year, US companies paid out around $25 billion in job-related car accidents.
It’s essential that you seek legal representation right away from a reputable Glendale personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in a car accident while working. We here at KCNS Law Group will help you follow the appropriate procedures so that you may receive the compensation that you’re entitled to while you’re trying to recover.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident while driving for work, you may be wondering who’s liable for the damages. Are you responsible for the car accident on the job or is your employer? Millions of individuals are hurt in car accidents each year. And, many of these accidents can occur in a work vehicle just as much as they can in a personal vehicle.
Even if you believe that your employer’s insurance company will cover you if you’re the cause of the accident while you’re driving a company car, you may actually be the one who is liable for the injuries or damages caused by the accident, which is why it’s important that you speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney right away following a car accident while driving to work.
All workers’ actions while on the job are the responsibility of the employer. This means the employer is liable for paying for injuries and property damages that the worker causes while they’re driving a work vehicle. Generally, in work vehicle accidents, employees are protected by the employer’s insurance company from having to pay for damages.
In certain circumstances, the employer’s insurance provider will not cover workers who cause company vehicle accidents. Some examples of situations where you wouldn’t be covered by the insurance provider for an accident you caused while driving a work vehicle include:
If you’re using the company vehicle to run personal errands, even if it’s during normal business hours, and an accident occurs, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the accident and might not be able to file a successful claim.
If you were using your own car while on the clock and a car accident occurs, you may be personally liable. For instance, if you were using your own car to make pizza deliveries and an accident occurred, you could be held liable for the accident.
If you committed a crime while you were driving a company vehicle and the accident you were involved in involved this criminal activity, you may be liable for the accident. An example would be you were driving a company car while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Depending on whether you’re held responsible or your employer is held responsible for an accident that occurred while you were driving for work, this may impact your workers’ compensation or personal injury case and you’ll want to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
The actions you take after being injured while driving for work can make or break your case. You could maximize how much compensation you get by following the proper procedures. Some steps you should take following a car accident while driving for work include:
Law enforcement should come out to the scene of the accident and create a police report. This will establish essential baseline information, like the parties involved in the accident and the location, time, and date of the accident.
It’s important to collect the other driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information promptly. If they were also a worker driving for their employer, you should ask for their employer’s information.
You may not feel pain right away after experiencing a minor fender-bender. But, if it’s a serious accident, it can leave you having to struggle with debilitating pain. If you’re bleeding, apply pressure using a cloth or towel to stop the bleeding. Call for emergency services or if you can’t, ask another person to do so.
It’s not likely that you can reconstruct the exact accident details months later. However, it can help to take photos immediately after the accident.
While law enforcement may have already written down witness names in their police report, you should attempt to get names as well. Write down the names, phone numbers, email addresses, or other essential contact information of any witnesses. Since individuals often switch jobs, you should obtain their personal information instead of work contact information. This information is essential since your personal injury lawyer may wish to speak with the witnesses.
Because you were injured while working, you’ll also need to inform your employer of your injuries. Don’t hesitate to do this since you could lose out on your ability to get compensated through the workers’ compensation program.
Large companies often hire skilled attorneys to represent their side of things, so why wouldn’t you? If you’ve been injured in a car accident while driving for work, a reputable lawyer can help you:
It’s important that you don’t waste valuable time trying to figure out things on your own. A skilled personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and may be able to get you the maximum compensation available.
Navigating a car accident case to identify liability can be challenging. If you’ve been injured in a car accident while driving for work, whether you were driving a company car or your own personal vehicle, contact a reliable personal injury lawyer from KCNS Law Group to stand by your side.
Our experienced lawyers can evaluate your case’s circumstances, discuss your legal options, and advise you on your next steps. Call us today at (818) 937-9255 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Our client-based approach is concentrated on our commitment to providing individual and strategic representation tailored to our client’s specific needs.