Can workers’ compensation cover car crash injuries?

There are many scenarios in which employees quickly recognize that they may be eligible for workers’ compensation. If one worker strikes another with a forklift or an employee ends up exposed to dangerous chemicals due to a packaging defect, the affected professional likely feels confident about their right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

However, not every work-related incident is the result of a coworker’s or employer’s mistake. Sometimes, people on the clock sustain injuries due to actions or mistakes completely unrelated to their employers. For example, quite a few professionals drive at least occasionally while working. They could end up involved in collisions. Another driver might be responsible, and that motorist likely has no connection to the professional’s employment.

Can workers’ compensation coverage help those injured in a car crash while they’re on the job?

Collisions are a common source of injury

When looking at workplace injury statistics, certain types of incidents are safety concerns regardless of an individual’s profession. Slip-and-falls affect people from all different career paths. Workers in a vast assortment of different professions might also sustain car crash injuries while on the job. Collisions are a top source of workplace injury and death.

Sales professionals driving to a customer’s office, home repair professionals on their way to unclog a sink and many different types of professionals might end up injured in a car crash while working through no fault of their own. Car crash injuries can leave professionals unable to return to work for weeks or longer. The injured party may have significant medical expenses to cover.

Thankfully, they can count on workers’ compensation for basic medical expenses and disability benefits that replace a portion of their lost income. Even in situations where the employee might be the party at fault for the crash, workers’ compensation can still theoretically help them limit the economic harm they experience after an on-the-job wreck.

In cases where there is evidence that the other party is at fault for the wreck, the injured professional may have the option of pursuing workers’ compensation benefits in addition to a personal injury lawsuit or car insurance claim. It is worth noting that coverage is only available while a professional is actively working and earning wages. Crashes during a commute are not eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.

Discussing the circumstances of an on-the-job car crash, the basics of workers’ compensation benefits and other sources of compensation with a skilled legal team can be helpful for those injured by a work-related car wreck. Workers’ compensation benefits can generally help people regardless of fault and what other types of insurance might apply under their circumstances.