Car accidents can have a debilitating effect on a victim’s quality of life and cost thousands of dollars in medical bills and other related expenses.
Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries that occur in the course of employment, but it may not automatically cover injuries sustained in a car accident. However, there may be several exceptions where worker’s compensation may cover car accidents.
Work-related travel
If you were injured while driving for work-related purposes, such as running errands for your employer, attending a business meeting or making a work-related delivery, your injuries might be covered by workers’ compensation. Seeking legal guidance will help you determine whether your car accident injuries qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Company-owned vehicles
Accidents that happen while using a company-owned vehicle for work-related activities are generally covered by workers’ compensation. If your employer provides you with a vehicle for work purposes and you get into a car accident while using it, your injuries should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Special mission or assignment
If you were involved in a car accident while on a special assignment for your employer, such as traveling to a different location for a work-related task, attending a conference or any other job-related activity outside of your regular workplace, your injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation.
Employer’s request or benefit
If your employer asks you to use your personal vehicle for work-related tasks and you are involved in a car accident while fulfilling those duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It’s essential to establish a clear connection between the accident and your job responsibilities.
While worker’s compensation may cover your accident in these instances, there are several factors that could influence the outcome, and it’s important to consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. Here are three:
- Scope of employment: For workers’ compensation to apply, the accident generally must occur while you are actively engaged in work-related duties.
- Intoxication or misconduct: If your injuries resulted from your own intoxication or misconduct, it could impact your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Prompt reporting: Failure to report promptly could affect your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Consulting with a legal professional experienced in workers’ compensation cases is advisable in the aftermath of a work-related crash, as they can help you understand the complexities of the legal system, gather evidence and ensure you meet all necessary requirements for a successful claim.