Workers’ Compensation and Car Accidents: Injuries from On-the-Job Crashes
Nobody expects a crash when they’re driving for their job in Pennsylvania, yet job-related collisions happen every day. Does workers’ compensation cover these accidents?
The answer, in many cases, is yes. If you suffer injuries while driving specifically for your job, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. You may also have grounds for a personal injury claim against the other driver or another liable party. This short guide from the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers at Stine & Associates explains what you need to know about injuries from job-related accidents.
When Workers’ Compensation Applies to On-the-Job Car Accidents
The critical factor that determines whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after a car accident in Pennsylvania is if the crash happened while you were performing your job-related duties. For example, if you were driving to meet a client or as part of a sales trip, you would likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
One situation where workers’ compensation benefits don’t apply is if you sustain injuries while commuting to or from your job. You might have grounds for a personal injury claim in this circumstance, but because you weren’t performing your job-related duties, you wouldn’t qualify for workers’ compensation.
Another circumstance where workers’ compensation wouldn’t apply is if you’re running a personal errand during the workday. If you’re hurt while driving to get lunch for yourself, for example, you likely won’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
The lines can get blurry in certain situations, however. For instance, if your boss sent you out to pick up lunch for everyone in the office, that might qualify as a job-related task, meaning you would likely be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you have questions about whether your situation entitles you to workers’ compensation, talk to an attorney.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers After a Job-Related Car Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a work-related car accident in Pennsylvania, your workers’ compensation benefits could include:
- Full coverage of all reasonable, medically necessary treatments for your injuries
- Partial wage-replacement benefits while you’re unable to work
Can You Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits and File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If someone other than your employer caused the car accident, you can sue that person in addition to and separately from any workers’ compensation benefits you receive. The workers’ compensation carrier has the right to be repaid for all wage loss and medical expenses it paid for your work-related car accident injuries from your settlement or award in your third-party lawsuit. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you seek money for the following:
- The full amount of your lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- The cost to repair or replace your car or other damaged personal property
Your personal injury lawyer can handle your claim and prove another party caused your injuries, with the goal of recovering more compensation in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.
Contact a Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Lawyer Now
Stine & Associates can handle your workers’ comp claim and personal injury lawsuit after an on-the-job car accident. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.