What Can You Do If You're Injured In A Car Accident At Work?

If you drive around as part of your job, there's a chance of getting hurt in an accident while working. Just like any accident, you have the right to recover for your injuries caused by someone else. However, the accident happening at work means you have additional options for recovering.

Will Workers' Compensation Cover an Accident at Work?

It is possible that workers' compensation may cover an accident that happens while you're at work. Even if you're out on the road, your employer still has a responsibility to make sure you're covered for workplace injuries. It doesn't matter if the injury happened in a warehouse or in a work vehicle.

One thing to keep in mind is that the insurance policies may pay in different orders. For example, your employer's commercial auto insurance coverage may kick in before workers' compensation does. In addition, with any type of insurance, there's a chance that the workers' compensation insurance company may not agree with the size of your claim and will try to pay you less.

You should file with workers' compensation as part of your overall car accident claim, but you should also work with your attorney to make sure that everything fits together.

Will the Other Driver's Insurance Company Cover You?

Assuming the other driver was responsible for the accident, their car insurance will apply whether you were driving on the job or for personal reasons. In fact, your employer may insist that you work with them to file an insurance claim against the other driver because the employer will often be looking to recover for their property damage as well.

Keep in mind that you can't recover twice for the same expenses. So if your employer pays your hospital bills, they'd be entitled to receive the money for hospital bills from the other driver's insurance company.

Who Should You Sue if Insurance Isn't Enough?

The easiest solution is to name both the other driver and all of the possible insurance companies in your claims or lawsuit. That reduces your need to try to fight against insurance exclusions or one party saying the other is responsible. Once you prove you're owed money as the plaintiff, it then falls on each of the defendants, rather than you, to convince the judge why the other party should pay.

To learn more about how to handle a car accident claim that is from injuries you suffered while driving on the job, contact a local car accident lawyer today. A company like Siben & Siben LLP can provide additional information.