Every year, many people across all types of industries get hurt while performing their job duties. Workers’ compensation law is designed to provide injured employees with monetary benefits, but there’s often confusion about how this applies to car accidents. To better understand your rights when on the road, here are the answers to some common questions regarding on-the-job traffic collisions.

How Workers’ Compensation Law Applies to Employee Car Accidents

Will workers’ compensation cover injuries from a car accident?

Under workers’ compensation law, employers are responsible for employee injuries as long as they’re acting within the scope of employment. As such, you may qualify for workers’ compensation if you were in a car accident while on a work-related errand, traveling between job sites, transporting someone else for business purposes, making a delivery, or commuting for any other reason requested by your employer.

Does it matter who was at fault?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove how your injuries happened. Regardless of who caused the accident, you’re entitled to benefits if you were injured on the job. However, if your negligence caused damages to someone else, they may name you and your employer in a personal injury lawsuit. Fortunately, your employer’s liability insurance should cover anything you’re ordered to pay, unless you were driving impaired or engaged in criminal activity at the time of the accident.

What steps should you take after a work-related accident?

To protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits, report the accident to your employer promptly. You should also take photos of the damages, get contact information for witnesses, seek medical attention for your injuries to ensure proper diagnosis and documentation, and follow the doctor’s advice.

Can you file workers’ compensation and personal injury claims?

When another driver’s negligence causes you harm, you can file both types of claims. Since workers’ compensation benefits only cover medical expenses and lost wages, the increased compensation can help pay for vehicle repairs and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, remember that the workers’ compensation insurer is likely to seek reimbursement for benefits they’ve paid once a third-party claim is settled.

If you were injured in a car accident during the scope of employment, contact the Law Office of Peter T. Waltz to discuss the details of your case. Offering more than 30 years of experience, Attorney Waltz has in-depth knowledge of both personal injury and workers’ compensation law and will determine the best strategy for maximizing your financial recovery. Through sound legal advice and aggressive advocacy, this La Crosse, WI, firm has helped countless clients achieve favorable results. Call (608) 784-2050 to schedule a free consultation, or visit him online for more information on his services.