If someone crashes into you out on the road, you know that you can make a claim against their insurance for your medical bills and vehicle repairs. If you get hurt while working, you know that you can file a request for workers’ compensation insurance benefits for lost wages and treatment costs.
Some situations leave workers confused about what rights they have and the right steps to take. For example, thousands of workers get into car crashes while working. Motor vehicle collisions while driving for work cause thousands of worker deaths and injuries each year.
If you recently got hurt in a car crash that occurred while you were on the clock, what options do you have for covering the cost to repair your vehicle, your lost wages and your medical expenses?
You may qualify for workers’ compensation
The nature of the incident that leaves you hurt has little bearing on your right to workers’ compensation. It is a no-fault insurance program, so unless you intentionally hurt yourself or got into a crash because you were drunk driving on the clock, you can make a claim for full medical coverage and also disability benefits.
Unlike your private health insurance, the medical coverage available through workers’ compensation won’t leave you with any financial responsibility. Unfortunately, the disability benefits you receive won’t be quite as helpful. At most, they will cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
High earners will quickly realize the maximum benefit is likely far less than two-thirds of what they usually make. If someone requires an extended leave from work or has significant damage to their vehicle, a car insurance claim may be necessary for additional costs not covered by workers’ compensation.
The other driver still has liability
While workers’ compensation can help you, it doesn’t absolve the other driver of their responsibility for the crash. You can make a claim against their insurance for losses that workers’ compensation won’t cover, including the remainder of your wages and the damage to your vehicle. If they don’t have insurance or carry very little coverage, a civil lawsuit could help you pay your bills.
Knowing your rights after you get hurt driving for your job can help you receive the maximum compensation possible.
