Many people travel for work, which means car crashes are common while driving for work-related business. Motor vehicle accidents can create significant medical bills and render victims unable to work, so you might wonder: Will workers’ compensation cover injuries from a work-related car accident?
The good news is that workers’ compensation can cover injuries from car accidents on work trips. However, the workers’ compensation system can be challenging, and it may not be clear if you are eligible to recover benefits for your work-related traffic accident. You need qualified legal help to increase your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim or third-party personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been hurt in a car accident at work or on a work-related trip, contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. We are ready to investigate your case and file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf if you are eligible. We can also explore your options for seeking compensation through a third-party personal injury claim. We are known for our ceaseless support of injured workers and want to help you pursue your due compensation with no compromises.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Kentucky car accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. Put our Kentucky Courage to work for you now.
Are You Covered for a Crash on a Work Trip? Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Workers’ compensation protects employees injured while on the job, so whether workers’ compensation will cover your car crash injuries depends on whether you were performing work-related duties when the accident happened. For example, workers’ compensation would apply if you were a professional driver and were in a car accident on work time. Workers’ compensation coverage will also pay regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident.
Examples of work-related car travel could include:
- Making deliveries for your job
- Driving a company vehicle for work purposes
- Driving a commercial vehicle for a living (for example, truckers, taxi drivers, and rideshare drivers)
- Driving another employee for job duties
- Running errands for an employer in your personal vehicle
- Driving for work-related purposes (for example, to a meeting with a client or travel to a work-related conference)
Generally, workers’ compensation will not cover accidents that happen while commuting to and from work unless the employer compensates the employee for that time. If you are unclear whether your traveling counted as work-related, you should ask our attorneys to analyze your unique circumstances.
Another option to recover compensation for your injuries is to file a third-party personal injury claim against the at-fault party. If the other driver acted negligently and caused the accident resulting in your injuries, they can be liable to pay damages for your monetary losses and any pain and psychological suffering you endure.
What Are Your Rights After a Work Trip Car Accident?
Workers’ compensation is a safety net for employees who get injured on the job, but it may not be sufficient to cover their injuries by itself. For example, workers’ comp in Kentucky usually won’t cover the full amount of lost wages and doesn’t pay anything for an injured employee’s pain and suffering.
Filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver may be the best course of action. A successful third-party personal injury claim can make up the difference and help you get enough compensation to cover all your lost income and your pain and suffering. However, unlike with a workers’ compensation claim, you must prove that the other driver was at fault to secure compensation through a personal injury claim.
Generally, you can file a personal injury claim for a worker-related car crash if the accident resulted from another party’s negligent behavior. For instance, if another driver ran through a stop sign and collided with your car, you could potentially file a third-party claim against them.
Who Can Be Liable in a Work Trip Car Accident?
Multiple parties could bear liability for a car accident, including the following examples:
- Other drivers – If another driver is negligent and causes an accident, they can be legally liable for any losses they cause.
- Auto manufacturers – If the accident happened due to a defective auto part or dangerous design, you could sue the company that manufactured the vehicle or the specific defective part.
- Maintenance companies – Accidents may also happen because of insufficient maintenance, in which case the maintenance company could be liable for the damages.
- Construction crews – Construction companies can be liable if their unsafe procedures cause a car accident on or near a worksite.
Determining liability is a matter of identifying the root cause of an accident. Our experienced attorneys can investigate the facts of your case, piece together the chain of events that caused the accident, and identify any liable parties.
Compensation You Can Receive in a Work Trip Car Accident Claim
Compensation in a workers’ compensation claim can include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Partial replacement of lost income
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits
A personal injury claim can offer the same compensation, except personal injury claims may also allow victims to recover all of their past and future lost income, plus additional money for non-economic losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of convenience and enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
How Our Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys Can Help with Work Trip Accidents
Recovering maximum compensation after a work trip car accident is anything but straightforward, and the process might seem overwhelming. The attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer are very familiar with both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, so we have the skills and resources necessary to protect your interests.
A work injury can throw your life into chaos, and you deserve relief. We have an extensive track record of successfully recovering money for our clients, including $6 million and $3.5 million in auto accident claims.
Check out our many positive testimonials from former clients to learn what working with our firm is like. Here is what a satisfied client had to say about our work:
“Highly recommend this group. Great communication, very professional, always there to answer any question I had. Would definitely use them again if needed!” – Ronnie H.
Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with a Kentucky car accident attorney.
