Every day, work-related car accidents occur across the country. These accidents, however, do not always occur on the job site. Many employees are responsible for driving as part of their job, making the possibility of a car accident more likely.
Whether you were involved in a car accident while on the job or injured by someone who was driving on the job, it is important to consult an attorney who can help you understand all of your legal options and come up with a plan of how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
what Happens After You are Involved in a Work-Related Car Accident?If you were involved in an accident while on a work-related errand or assignment, you may be wondering what steps you should take next. Whether you were in a company vehicle or your vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation from your employer for any injuries resulting from the accident. Your employer’s insurance policy may cover both property damage and any bodily injuries.
Additionally, your employer's car insurance company may cover any other injured parties, such as cyclists, pedestrians, and other passengers. Even if the car accident was your fault, you could still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while recovering from your injuries.
What Should You Do After a Work-Related Car Accident?If you are involved in a work-related accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 and request law enforcement to come to the scene. If you have been injured, it is also important to request an ambulance to make sure your injuries are evaluated and documented. Even if you do not think your injuries are severe, you should go to the hospital for further evaluation. Having a health care professional diagnose your injuries will not only help you recover but may help down the line should you decide to pursue legal action or file an insurance claim.
If you have not been injured, take photos of the scene of the accident. Document the position of the vehicle, and any other factors that may have contributed to the car accident. Make sure you write down the names of any witnesses and law enforcement officials at the scene. It is also important to request a copy of the police report, or the report number so that you can obtain a copy later.
Determining FaultDetermining who is at fault for the accident is the first step in filing a personal injury suit. If you were struck by a driver who was on the job at the time of the accident, it is not only important to ask where the driver works, but also if the driver is an independent contractor, and if they were fulfilling workplace duties when the accident occurred. These questions are important and can help determine who you can sue.
For example, if the driver is an independent contractor, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to bring a lawsuit against his or her employer. However, if the at-fault driver was working as a typical employee, you may be able to sue the employer directly. This is important because unlike the employee, employers often have access to more assets. Additionally, most employers purchase commercial liability insurance policies that may cover injuries sustained from their employee’s negligence.
On the other hand, if you are an employee who caused an accident, your employment status may determine whether or not you are personally liable for any damages. If you are an independent contractor, the victim may try to sue you personally or file a claim through your personal auto insurance policy. If you are an employee, your employer may be responsible for any damages. Either way, it is important to hire an attorney to make sure you know all of your options moving forward.
Contact Us TodayAt Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand how complex the aftermath of an accident can be, and how important it is to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Not only can we help you through the insurance claims process, but we can help you litigate any potential personal injury claims you may want to bring against the other driver or their employer.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for you. For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville.