Many modern professionals spend time on the road because of their employment. Well-compensated professionals, in particular, may accept jobs that require a lengthy commute to and from work.
Many others may occasionally drive as one of their job responsibilities. People hurt in car crashes related to their employment are sometimes eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
When does workers’ compensation help cover medical costs and lost wages after a car crash?
When a crash occurs during the workday
While commuting is a necessity for many employees, it is technically an act that occurs on the worker’s personal time. Anyone hurt in a car crash on the way to or from work while not on the clock is reliant on their own insurance or the coverage of the driver at fault for the crash to pay for their expenses.
Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and assist with lost wages when workers drive as a job-related responsibility. Whether driving is only an occasional job function or the primary responsibility of a professional, an on-the-clock crash is one of the biggest safety hazards they may face at work.
Workers hurt in collisions are eligible for disability benefits to replace their wages and medical benefits to pay for their care. Collisions while working are a leading cause of workplace death and significant workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available even in cases where the employee was the party at fault, meaning they are not eligible for liability insurance coverage.
Reporting a crash to an employer and getting support during the claims process can help people hurt in on-the-clock crashes qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Injured workers generally have the right to legal representation during workers’ compensation claims, which can make it easier for them to understand their rights and optimize the benefits that they are entitled to receive.
