If you have been injured in an auto accident while on the job, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits as well as being able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver or another at-fault party. This means that you can start receiving minimal benefits very quickly, without giving up the right to full compensation in the long run. Your situation is more complicated than a regular auto accident, and you need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to protect all of your legal rights and make sure you receive every penny you are entitled to.
Workers’ Compensation
If you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation, you should file a claim right away. Most employees are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance, carried by their employers. You do not need to prove fault to receive your Workers’ Compensation benefits, but you will need to prove that your accident occurred in the course and scope of your employment. We at Warner Law Offices, PLLC can help you achieve that. Examples of the type of travel covered by Workers’ Compensation include:
- Running errands for your employer
- Making deliveries, even if that is not your primary role as an employee
- Attending meetings
- Attending social events that are required by your employer
- Out-of-town business travel
Your commute to and from work is usually not covered, but there are exceptions. If you were running an errand for your employer on your way to or from work, you may be covered. If you were on-call and got into an accident after being called in, you may be covered. There are other special circumstances, too. Your attorney can review your case and determine if Workers’ Compensation applies in your unique situation.
Auto Accident Lawsuit
Workers’ Compensation benefits are very limited. Your basic medical care is covered and you can receive a partial replacement for your lost income. If someone else was to blame for your accident, you can receive full compensation, including pain and suffering, through a personal injury lawsuit. This is typically against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but could also be against an automaker responsible for a defective vehicle accident or a claim against a government entity responsible for a defective roadway.
If you pursue a personal injury claim, you still receive your Workers’ Compensation benefits in the meantime. If you receive compensation through a personal injury settlement or verdict, the Workers’ Compensation insurance company will be reimbursed for what it paid you out of the money that you win. Your personal injury attorney may negotiate with the Workers’ Compensation insurance to minimize their cut.
If you have been injured in a car accident on the job, you can learn more about your rights and how you can recover damages for your losses by contacting our office for a free consultation.