Not all work-related accidents happen on a job site. If you drive during the course of your employment and you are injured in an auto accident, you may still be covered by the workers’ compensation system in Florida. Car accidents that occurred while performing a job-related task such as making a delivery, driving between worksites, or running a work errand can all fall under workers’ compensation.
Have you been seriously injured in a car accident while working? It does not matter if you were at fault for the collision or you were hurt by a negligent driver; you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages. Work Injury Rights has decades of experience representing injured workers. Contact us today for a free case review with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer.
Common Causes of Work-Related Traffic Accidents
Car accidents have many potential causes but they are usually the result of human error or negligence. Your work-related auto accident may have been caused by:
- Distracted driving
- A drunk driver
- Speeding
- Reckless driving such as dangerous lane changes
- A driver running a red light or stop sign
- Improper loading of a commercial truck
- Dangerous road conditions
- Tire blowout
- Hazards such as an animal on the road
No matter what caused your car/auto accident, you may still be covered by workers’ compensation if you were on the job while you were driving.
Workers’ Compensation and Car Accidents in Florida
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program. If you are injured in an auto accident while performing a work-related task or on the job, you can be entitled to benefits. You do not need to prove that another driver was responsible for your injuries to receive these benefits.
Under Florida workers’ compensation, you can be entitled to several types of benefits. Medical benefits cover the reasonable medical expenses associated with your accident. You can also recover benefits for your lost wages while you are recovering and disability benefits if you cannot return to work at all or in the same capacity as before the crash.
However, one of the most crucial elements to establish to recover workers’ comp benefits is showing that you were actually on the job at the time of the car/auto accident. If you were on your way to a restaurant for your lunch break or deviating from work for personal errands, for example, your claim will likely be denied.
Unfortunately, many employees injured in work-related car/auto accidents find it challenging to recover the compensation they deserve. Your employer and their workers’ compensation carrier may argue that you were not actually on the job, your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or you are fully recovered and ready to return to work when you know you are not. This is made even more difficult by the fact that your employer and their insurance company choose the physician you see who will make these crucial determinations.
A workers’ compensation injury lawyer in Florida can serve as your advocate to help you file your claim and pursue the fair compensation you deserve. Our Work Injury lawyers believe that the last concern you should have is fighting an insurance company for the benefits you are entitled to receive. You should be focused on recovering, not an uncertain financial future.
Contact Our Work Injury Lawyers for Your Free Case Review
Have you been seriously hurt in a work-related car/auto accident? Don’t accept a lowball offer from the insurance company or allow the insurance carrier to undervalue your injuries and the benefits you should receive. We are here to help you with decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers in Florida.
Contact Work Injury Rights today to schedule a free case evaluation with a compassionate Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to explore your options.
