Workers' Compensation for Motor Vehicle Accidents

Workers' Compensation for Motor Vehicle Accidents

When a worker sustains an injury while performing job-related duties, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs resulting from workplace injuries.

However, not all accidents qualify. There are a few caveats to collecting these benefits. Here is what you need to know about workers’ compensation for motor vehicle accidents.

Motor Vehicle Accidents in the Workplace

Some workers, such as those in the transportation, emergency services, and construction industries, have to drive as a part of their regular duties. Unfortunately, when they are on the road, they have a chance of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Employees becoming injured or even killed on the job is uncommon. For example, the period from 2011 to 2022 saw a staggering figure of over 21,000 U.S. workers losing their lives in these types of crashes, accounting for 35% of all work-related deaths, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When these incidents happen, the workers or their family members are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, not all vehicle crashes are covered as there is distinction between off- and on-duty job responsibilities.

The Job-Related Requirement for Workers’ Comp

While some workers can qualify for workers’ compensation for motor vehicle accidents, there are a few stipulations. These benefits are only provided in very specific situations, such as when the individual must perform a job-related activity. For example, if you were involved in an accident while commuting to work, you would likely not be eligible for these benefits. Your injury must be directly related to your job and occur while performing work-related tasks.

Possible “On the Job” Scenarios

What is considered on-the-job or work-related? Workers may often drive a company vehicle or even their own to get to a destination to perform their job duties. Are those covered? It does depend. Some of the most common scenarios involve:

  • Making deliveries for your employer or customers
  • Transporting co-workers or clients
  • Driving as part of your job, including those who work as a truck driver, sales representative, home health care nurse
  • Operating a vehicle for work and getting paid for travel time

While commuting to and from your regular workplace often is not eligible, there are always exceptions. For example, if you work in construction and travel between different job sites, you may qualify for workers’ compensation if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Personal Injury Claims vs. Workers’ Compensation

When anyone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they may want to take legal action. In these cases, workers’ compensation and personal injury claims are very different.

Workers’ compensation benefits apply if the accident happened while you were on the job, and may cover the following:

  • Medical expenses

You do not have to prove fault for these benefits. Instead, you can file a claim, provide documentation, and receive your benefits.

However, the process for a personal injury claim is different. If another driver caused the accident, you could seek compensation directly from the at-fault party. Damages may include:

  • Pain & suffering
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Emotional distress

Unlike workers’ compensation, personal injury claims require proving the other party’s negligence or fault. Generally, you cannot take any legal action against your employer for the accident, but you might be able to pursue a claim against the other driver. If you would like to know more, you can always contact your state’s workers’ compensation board.

Steps To Take After a Motor Vehicle Accident

After a crash, you will want to get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been seriously injured, make sure a health care professional checks you out. Not only is this important for your health, but it also creates a record of the injury and its connection to your work.

You should also notify your employer about the accident. Every company has different procedures for reporting workplace injuries, especially those that may have occurred off the company’s property. You will want to follow your company’s guidelines. Reporting the accident right away can help ensure that there are no disputes regarding the timing and nature of the injury.

In any type of car accident, you need to document everything. This can include taking photos of the accident scene, obtaining witness statements, and noting all the details related to the accident. Also, make sure to record all medical visits, treatments, and expenses related to the injury. This documentation will be necessary when you file your workers’ compensation claim or take other legal action.

Finally, you may want to consult with an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation cases. They can guide you through the workers’ comp process and even advise if you have a potential personal injury claim against an at-fault driver.

Getting Your Benefits

When filing a claim for workers’ compensation related to on-the-job motor vehicle accidents, you will need to make sure that all required forms are completed and submitted on time.

Staying in regular contact with your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance provider keeps everyone informed about your medical condition and recovery progress. Clear and consistent communication can help streamline the process.

Additionally, you need to attend all the scheduled medical appointments and comply with the treatment plan prescribed by your health care provider.

Prepare yourself for potential disputes regarding the claim, especially if the accident occurs away from your workplace. If you have an attorney, they can assist in resolving these issues through negotiation or formal hearings.

Workers’ compensation for motor vehicle accidents can help you get the financial assistance you need when you have been hurt in a crash. If you want to claim these benefits, you must have been performing duties related to your job. Some states may have additional regulations that may impact whether you are eligible for this compensation.

Free Consultation

This website was created and is maintained by the legal team at Thomas Law Offices. Our attorneys are experienced in a wide variety of personal injury and work injury cases and represent clients on a nationwide level. Call us or fill out the form to the right to tell us about your potential case. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.