Does Worker’s Compensation Cover Car Accidents?
Car accidents are catastrophes where the victims suffer physical injuries and mental and financial injuries simultaneously.
Auto accidents may not be a reason to claim worker’s compensation. However, if the victims were driving for work-related purposes, they may be entitled to worker’s compensation.
An employer is generally required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance for the safety and security of their employees. Workers’ compensation compensates any of their employees who meet with an accident while performing their duties.
This applies even to workers who get involved in auto accidents while performing work-related jobs like :
- Making a delivery
- Completing a work-related errand such as picking up office supplies or work-related items
- Traveling between work locations
- Transporting a colleague for a meeting or work-related purpose
- Going on a sales call
Workers’ compensation will also pay for auto accidents that occurred while the employee was traveling to the office or returning home. And if the employer pays for the employee’s travel expenses.
When Worker’s Compensation Does Not Cover an Auto Accident
Workers’ Compensation is applicable only when an accident happens during duty time and causes severe injuries to the employee. So accidents that occur while traveling to or from work or taking a personal break are not covered.
What If The Employee Is Liable For The Car Accident?
Worker’s Compensation is a no-fault insurance system.
According to this system, a party does not have to prove the other party was liable for the accident. So it means that as long as the accident occurs during work hours, workers’ compensation compensates for the expenses incurred.
Can A Worker File A Lawsuit Against The Driver At-Fault?
Yes, in addition to making a workers’ compensation claim, an injured worker can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Yes, by doing so, you stand a chance of receiving increased compensation.
However, the hustle of filing a personal injury claim along with the worker’s compensation insurance is quite a tough nut to crack.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit makes the case a little more complicated because of the additional compensation you can claim.
Your claim will thus be minutely examined minutely by the insurance companies representing the liable party. Besides, as long as you suffer a workplace injury, you are compensated with workers’ compensation. However, you will have to prove that the other driver was at fault in case of a personal injury claim.
Why It’s Better to Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The litigation process of an insurance claim is generally tricky and tiring. So hiring a skilled lawyer could be helpful for you in the following ways:
- Workers’ compensation laws are very tricky for a commoner to understand. The insurer may mislead the employee and settle for a lesser amount without an attorney’s guidance.
- It might be difficult for an injured worker to appear before the court for regular hearings. A lawyer can present the case on their behalf for a fair argument.
- The amount of compensation that workers receive depends on the amount of their average weekly income. The insurer would try to reduce the interest rate and minimize the benefits as much as possible. A lawyer helps the worker get maximum benefits from the insurance.
Contact A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Burbank
Experienced Burbank Workers’ Compensation attorneys will help workers injured while driving during work hours get fair and maximum compensation.
Besides, you have nothing to lose.
You pay the lawyers’ fees only after receiving your claimed compensation, as most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.