A worker who gets into a motor vehicle accident while driving for their employer may wonder whether they have the right to pursue financial compensation for injuries, lost wages, and vehicle damage from their employer. To find out more about the answers to those questions, reach out to Kreger Brodish LLP today to speak with us about your rights after suffering an auto accident on the job.
FAQs – Your Legal Rights After Being in an Accident While Driving for Work
Our prospective clients have many questions after a motor vehicle accident that happened on the job. Some of the most common include the following:
When is an employer liable for a car accident while on the clock?
An employer may have liability for a car accident involving an employee who was driving to complete tasks for the employer. Employers may be required to pay an injured employee workers’ compensation benefits for an accident that occurs on the clock if the employee was:
- Required to drive as part of their job duties, such as delivery drivers
- Driving to complete a task given by the employer, such as taking business deposits to the bank or picking up lunch or coffee for the office
- Driving to a client site as part of their normal job duties or on instructions from the employer
- Driving between the employer’s workplaces in the course of their job duties or as instructed by the employer
- Driving long-distance to an out-of-town work-related function, such as a conference
How do I pay my medical bills if I’m injured in a car accident while working?
Under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system, most employers must provide medical benefits to an employee who suffers a work-related injury. These medical benefits include payment of all reasonable and necessary treatment and rehabilitation of the injury. If another driver was at fault, you may also be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses through a personal injury claim.
Will my employer pay for repairs to my vehicle?
Your employer may be responsible for repairs to damage your vehicle sustained in the work-related car accident — especially if your employer expected or instructed you to use your vehicle. Depending on the terms of coverage in the policy, your employer might have commercial liability insurance that will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle.
Do I file a claim with my own insurance company?
Your health insurance provider may deny coverage for any treatment you seek for car accident injuries if it discovers that the accident occurred while you were working. However, you should still notify your auto insurance provider and your health insurer of the accident and injuries in case your workers’ compensation claim is denied.
Should I hire an injury lawyer for my on-the-job accident claim?
You should always consult with an injury lawyer after any car accident, even if the crash occurred on the job. Although you have the right to workers’ compensation for a work-related injury, your employer may try to deny your claim for benefits. You may also have a legal claim if the accident occurred due to another driver’s negligence. A Durham personal injury lawyer can make sure you receive the maximum compensation available to you under the law.
