Many people spend hours in their vehicles due to work-related commitments. Whether you work as a driver, a sales representative, a delivery man, or any other job that requires you to be on the move, you need to ensure you’re well-rested before you hit the road.
However, some employers may require you to work long hours. Luckily, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure that if you happen to be hurt in a work-related car accident, you’ll receive compensation.
A huge number of people fail to receive compensation because they are not aware of their rights. Some remain jobless and end up in huge financial messes because they are incapacitated and unable to continue working and cannot fend for themselves or their families.
Information is power, and here is all you need to know in case you, or someone you know, is hurt in a work-related car accident.
Who Can File for Compensation?
Anyone can file for compensation in the case of a car accident. The thing to consider is the time of the accident. Did it occur within working hours? Also, the errand that you were running needs to be work-related, as well.
If it is within working hours yet you left work early to go for a meeting at your child’s school, you are not eligible for compensation since this was a personal matter. In such a situation, you need to take it up with your insurance company.
You must also be traveling between worksites or if you work from home, the case is valid if the trip to your office was for the company’s benefit. It is also vital that the mode of transport is one that your company endorses. This can either be your car or a company car.
If the company acknowledges that you use your personal vehicle to run work errands, you will be entitled to compensation. If the accidents happen in a company van or bus, you have a stronger claim to compensation.
Some cases are not within these terms, yet they still get compensation. The terms of applying for compensation are not rigid, depending on how you present your case, and if you are willing to file a lawsuit and go to court, there is a chance for you to win the case and get compensation.
The Process of Filing for Compensation
For you to receive the compensation, there are certain things you must do. The first being, you must report the accident to your employer and, if possible, in writing. Depending on your company’s protocol, you need to seek medical help from the company doctor or a different hospital.
The hospital visit is relative because if you are somewhere far from the company doctor, and your condition is critical, the first respondents are obligated to take you to the nearest health facility. You must keep all the medical records and photos of your injuries since they will come in handy during the legal procedures.
The filing process usually has a deadline. Ensure that you file for compensation before the due date (depends on your state or organization). You can get the form from the emergency room, your doctor, employer, or the worker’s compensation offices.
If need be, you can employ a lawyer’s services to help you file the forms and walk you through your legal rights and the steps to take to get the money. A lawyer also enables you to ensure that the amount you receive is fair. Some companies are intimidating and can easily end up paying you less than they should.
What to Do if the Responsible Party Refuses to Pay
If the worker’s compensation insurance company refuses to pay, you must employ a lawyer’s services. Depending on your case, if the other driver is the one at fault and the insurance company that represents them refuses to pay, you should also involve an attorney.
Having an attorney can intimidate the insurance companies into paying, and in the event where your case ends up in court, you will have proper representation.
Getting Compensated After a Work-Related Car Accident
Many people are unaware of their rights when it comes to receiving compensation for a work-related accident. These are usually the questions many have, and some are not aware of whether the accidents’ nature allows them to be eligible for the compensation. With this information, you will be able to know how to handle a work-related car accident.