Are Auto Accidents Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Generally, you can't receive compensation from your employer for a car
accident. However, there are exceptions, and this is where the term
"work-related" becomes relevant. Work-related car accidents imply that
you got an injury while you were discharging your duties as an employee.
An accident that occurs when you're simply commuting to and from work
may not qualify as an injury for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if you stopped on the way to pick up office supplies and an
accident occurs, you can make claims. Here are some other car accident
scenarios that can qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits.
● Making deliveries: If you're making deliveries for your company, whether it's part of your job description or not.
● Running errands: If your employer asks you to drop something off or do a coffee run for the office.
● Driving to another worksite: It can include commuting from one branch of the office to another or an off-site location during work hours.
● Transporting a co-worker: It may be to a meeting with a client or a trip to the airport as part of discharging your duty.
● Paid-travel time: If you travel for a work-related reason that an employer pays you for, or you're a remote employee paid for commuting to the office.
However, if you had an accident while deviating from a work duty you were to perform, you won't be eligible for benefits. Also, you may not be able to make claims for an accident that occurs during lunch hours. Although it's a workday, lunch breaks are personal hours.
You may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages from your injuries. You'll have to reach out to a Lancaster auto accident lawyer to guide you through.
When Are Work-related Car Accidents Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation? If a minor accident occurs and you didn't sustain any injury, you can't receive workers’ compensation benefits. The reason is that you have no medical bills or lost work time to recover. Another reason is if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or committed a crime.
What If I Caused the Accident? Workers’ compensation law doesn't require anyone to be at fault before you can file a claim. The law allows you to make claims if you sustain an injury while working. So, even if you caused the accident, as long as you're eligible for compensation, you'll receive one.
You may also not have to pay damages to the other party whom you hurt. Most times, your employer's liability may protect you. Your employer may pay for the damages and your legal fees if a lawsuit arises. If you find yourself in this scenario, you'll need a Lancaster workers compensation attorney to help you understand your liabilities.
Conclusion It's a good idea to know which car accidents qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. It's even better to seek a local workers compensation lawyer Lancaster PA, to receive any benefit you may deserve.
● Making deliveries: If you're making deliveries for your company, whether it's part of your job description or not.
● Running errands: If your employer asks you to drop something off or do a coffee run for the office.
● Driving to another worksite: It can include commuting from one branch of the office to another or an off-site location during work hours.
● Transporting a co-worker: It may be to a meeting with a client or a trip to the airport as part of discharging your duty.
● Paid-travel time: If you travel for a work-related reason that an employer pays you for, or you're a remote employee paid for commuting to the office.
However, if you had an accident while deviating from a work duty you were to perform, you won't be eligible for benefits. Also, you may not be able to make claims for an accident that occurs during lunch hours. Although it's a workday, lunch breaks are personal hours.
You may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages from your injuries. You'll have to reach out to a Lancaster auto accident lawyer to guide you through.
When Are Work-related Car Accidents Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation? If a minor accident occurs and you didn't sustain any injury, you can't receive workers’ compensation benefits. The reason is that you have no medical bills or lost work time to recover. Another reason is if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs or committed a crime.
What If I Caused the Accident? Workers’ compensation law doesn't require anyone to be at fault before you can file a claim. The law allows you to make claims if you sustain an injury while working. So, even if you caused the accident, as long as you're eligible for compensation, you'll receive one.
You may also not have to pay damages to the other party whom you hurt. Most times, your employer's liability may protect you. Your employer may pay for the damages and your legal fees if a lawsuit arises. If you find yourself in this scenario, you'll need a Lancaster workers compensation attorney to help you understand your liabilities.
Conclusion It's a good idea to know which car accidents qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. It's even better to seek a local workers compensation lawyer Lancaster PA, to receive any benefit you may deserve.
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