How to Handle an On-The-Job Car Accident

 Posted on October 07, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

If you were hurt in a car crash while you were driving for your job, you may have questions about who will pay for your injuries, especially if you have to miss work for any length of time. In most cases, you will probably qualify for workers' compensation benefits, which can help cover your medical costs and a percentage of your lost wages. The good news is that you might have other options for collecting additional compensation.

Steps to Take

The first thing you should do after a car accident is to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you were seriously hurt. After all, some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Once you have been seen by a doctor and have a diagnosis of your injuries, you can start the process of filing a workers' compensation claim.

To begin your claim, you will also need to report the accident and your injuries to your employer. If your employer carries workers' compensation insurance, then you should be covered for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. All employers in California are required by law to have this type of coverage, so if yours does not, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit directly against the company for whom you work.

Consider a Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

Even if you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the other driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may also be held liable. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you investigate who was responsible for the crash and what your legal options are for collecting compensation.

Compared to the benefits available through workers’ compensation, the damages available in a third-party personal injury claim can be much greater. In addition to medical expenses, you could recover all of your lost wages, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and other considerations.

Contact a Gilroy Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were in a car accident while on the job, do not try to handle everything on your own. Seek out experienced legal help to explore your available options and ensure that you get the full compensation you deserve. For more information, contact a skilled Santa Clara County workers’ compensation attorney from the law firm of Cramer + Martinez. Call 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a member of our team today.

Source:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/injuredworker.htm