Each day, thousands of people spend part or all of their work day behind the wheel. Whether your job requires you to drive all day or just occasionally, you’re at greater risk of an accident. In the security of a workspace, there are rules and guidelines to prevent accidents. While driving, you are at the mercy of other drivers.
Most people know that workers’ compensation will provide benefits for medical coverage if they are hurt on the job. Many people do not know that there could be additional compensation available if you are injured in an on-the-job car accident or an accident involving someone other than your employer.
Workers’ comp covers accidents, whether they were caused by the employer or the employee, paying out medical benefits. If another driver contributed to the accident, you can also seek a claim against that driver. This is considered a third-party liability claim. It will be completely independent of your workers’ comp claim and won’t affect the outcome of that case.
Following an accident on the job:
Take pictures and carefully document every piece of evidence – You will need this evidence to show that the car accident was caused or contributed to by someone other than yourself, your employer or a coworker.
Get the driver’s contact information and that of any witnesses – Just as in any car accident, make sure you can contact those involved and those who can describe exactly how it unfolded.
Make your employer aware of the other driver – Be transparent with your employer about how the accident occurred and the role the responsible driver played. This will help later on if there are issues between workers’ comp and your personal injury claim.
It is important, however, that you work with a lawyer who understands the nuances of seeking benefits from complex car accidents. There are ways you can efficiently resolve both claims, but it takes legal understanding to know how to accomplish this without interference.