Big Auto-logo
AVAILABLE 24/7
1 (844) 244-2886

What If I Was Injured In A Car Accident While Driving For Work?

FREE CASE REVIEW FREE CASE REVIEW

Many employees spend a significant portion of their workdays behind the wheel. In the aftermath of a serious car accident while on the job, you may be facing difficult physical recovery, emotional trauma, and financial insecurity. Seeking rightful compensation for your injuries is a key step in getting your life back on track after such an incident. 

Depending on the circumstances of your work-related car accident, you may be able to pursue more than one avenue for restitution. That said, successfully resolving car accident claims that occur in the course of your employment can be complicated and stressful. 

If you were injured in a car accident while driving for work, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights. The national team of car accident lawyers at Big Auto can guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf every step of the way. 

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call a lawyer at Big Auto today at 1 (844) BIG-AUTO or fill out our online contact form for a free case review. Get the compensation you deserve.

What Is Considered a Work-Related Car Accident?

A work-related car accident is a collision that occurs while you are performing duties or tasks required by your employer. Unfortunately, a number of drivers are injured and even killed annually while driving for work. In fact, transportation incidents accounted for nearly 40 percent of all occupational fatalities in 2023.

Car accidents that typically qualify as work-related include:

  • Making deliveries or transporting goods
  • Driving a company vehicle or a personal vehicle for work-related errands
  • Traveling between offices or job sites
  • Driving to a mandatory business meeting or conference

In most instances, an accident that occurs while you are commuting to or from work will not be considered an on-the-job or work-related incident. Additionally, if you were driving a company car after hours or for personal reasons, an ensuing accident will likely not qualify as work-related.

Potential Avenues of Compensation After an On-the-Job Car Accident

When hurt in an auto accident while driving for work purposes, you may be able to pursue financial compensation through a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. What’s more, if another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can also file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against that individual or his or her insurance company.

A well-practiced car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your accident and advise you on the best path to restitution for all you have gone through.

Workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related car accident

Most injured workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether the car accident was their fault — as long as it occurred in the course and scope of employment.

Workers’ compensation benefits after a work-related car accident can include:

  • Medical expenses: This may include coverage for hospital bills, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other medical costs
  • Disability benefits: You may be able to receive temporary or permanent disability payments if your injuries impact your ability to work
  • Lost wages: If you are unable to work for a time or your work capacity is reduced due to your injuries, you may be compensated for a percentage of these lost wages
  • Vocational rehabilitation: You may receive help to return to your previous job or find alternative suitable employment after a serious car accident injury

The focus of workers’ compensation is to provide benefits to the injured employee, not to assign blame for the accident. Thus, you generally do not have to prove fault for workers’ compensation claims, as long as the injury occurred during the course of employment. This means you can likely still file a claim even if you yourself bear some responsibility for the car crash.

It should be understood, though, that workers’ compensation only covers economic damages. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not offered as part of a workers’ compensation settlement. That said, if you were not at fault for the incident, you may have further legal recourse beyond a workers’ comp claim.

Third-party personal injury claims and on-the-job car accidents

If another individual or entity was liable for the car accident, you may also pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. A third-party personal injury claim allows you to seek damages in addition to those awarded through workers’ compensation.

Through a personal injury claim, you may qualify to attain compensation for:

  • Future medical expenses stemming from your car accident injuries
  • Your full amount of lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident

Being able to collect adequate damages for your injuries is a critical factor in regaining your quality of life after a serious car accident. Successfully navigating both a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim can be a daunting task. 

The dedicated car accident attorneys at Big Auto are adept at doing just that. We will use our knowledge and resources to maximize your compensation and secure your comfort long into the future.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident While Driving for Work

If you were injured in a car accident while driving for work, your initial concern may be your employer’s reaction and how the incident may impact your job. While this is understandable, in the wake of a serious crash, it is critical that you first prioritize the necessary steps to protect yourself and others. 

It is advantageous to take the following actions after a work-related car accident:

  • Call 911: Police will stabilize the situation and document the details of the crash. An official police report is often essential in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and in third-party liability claims.
  • Seek immediate medical attention: Your health is top priority. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and waiting to seek treatment may compromise your long-term prognosis and make it more difficult to connect your injuries to the car accident.
  • Document the accident scene and gather evidence: Take photos and video of the vehicles involved, the accident location, and your injuries. Make sure to get eyewitness statements and contact information.
  • Report the accident to your employer: Notify your employer of the accident without delay. Failing to report your injuries in a timely manner could jeopardize your workers’ comp claim.
  • Follow employer guidelines: Carefully comply with your company’s procedures and guidelines following the accident. Otherwise, you risk your claim being denied.
  • File a workers’ compensation claim: Claim forms should be provided through your employer. Ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and filed on time.
  • Consult a car accident attorney: An experienced lawyer can advise you on the best course of legal action and ensure no important deadlines are missed.

Taking such steps will support your recovery and help establish a strong foundation for a successful injury claim.

Get Advice From a Dedicated Team of Car Accident Attorneys

A serious car accident can upend your life in a single moment. If you were injured in a collision while driving for work, seeking the needed compensation for your losses can be both frustrating and confusing. When facing such difficulties, there is no reason to go it alone.

The top-tier lawyers at Big Auto Accident Attorneys understand that gaining rightful damages is essential to each client’s future well-being. Our extensive network of attorneys is adept at handling complex work-related car accident cases in any location across the U.S. 

We can use our resources and organization to champion your legal rights and help you pursue restitution through both workers’ compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims.

Trustworthy legal advice is at the ready. Call us at 1 (844) BIG-AUTO or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Every employee has the right to experienced legal representation after a work-related car accident.