If your job involves driving as part of your work duties, you know that each time you get behind the wheel, you have the potential to be involved in an accident. You may need to drive between job sites or to meet with clients as part of your regular work day.

If you are involved in an accident during the performance of your regular job duties, filing a claim for injuries can be complicated.

What Does It Mean to Be On the Job?

To determine who is responsible for injuries sustained in a car accident on the job, there are some factors that need to be addressed. It will be important to know whether you were driving your own vehicle or a car owned by your company.

The type of accident could also make a difference, such as whether you were hit on a job site, in a company parking lot or on a public road.

If you are a delivery driver and struck by another vehicle during your regular route, this could have an impact on your compensation as well. Or, maybe you were not driving at all, but were struck in the company parking lot by another vehicle.

All of these factors come into play when reviewing car accidents on the job.

Civil Claims vs. Workers’ Compensation Claims

When you are injured in a car accident on the job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation for those injuries, especially if you are driving a company vehicle.

When you are driving a company vehicle, you are often protected from civil liability, even if the accident was your fault. In addition, you may be able to file a civil claim against another driver who was at fault in order to collect pain and suffering which is not awardable under workers’ compensation.

It can be more complex, however, if you are driving your own vehicle as your employer’s insurance will not cover injuries or damages. Instead, it will be your own insurance that will be responsible. In that case, you could face a civil claim from other drivers or passengers who are injured, especially if you are negligent.

Clarifying Your Rights After a Job-Related Car Crash

Because a job-related car crash can be complicated and confusing, it is important to protect your rights. An attorney can advise you what steps to take while working with both your employer and the insurance companies to be sure you are compensated properly. It is important to remember that hiring an attorney does not mean you are suing your employer. An attorney simply protects you after a workplace injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on the job, contact our office today to learn what rights you may have. You can arrange for your initial consultation by giving us a call or completing the simple query form online. Protect your rights today and get the compensation you deserve.