While many work-related accidents happen on a job site, such as a construction site, office, or store, car accidents are one of the leading causes of work injuries. If you were injured in an auto accident while riding in a vehicle or driving for work-related reasons, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
When your auto accident is work-related, it does not matter if you were at fault for the accident or contributed to the crash. At Work Injury Rights, we have 45 years of combined experience representing Florida workers injured in on-the-job car accidents. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
When Is a Car Accident Covered By Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
Not all injuries and accidents are covered by workers’ compensation. For your injuries to be covered, they must have occurred during the scope of your job. In other words, you were performing tasks related to your job when the accident occurred.
You can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you were hurt while riding or driving in a vehicle for work-related purposes. This includes:
- Making deliveries
- Traveling for a compensated work-related reason
- Driving another employee for work purposes
- Driving between worksites
- Running an errand related to work
You can also qualify for workers’ compensation if your primary responsibilities and duties involve driving such as a truck driver. You may also qualify if you are a remote worker paid for travel time if you are injured in an accident during a commute.
If you are unsure if you will receive benefits for being in a car accident during your lunch break or another scenario, please contact our experienced Work Injury lawyers today.
Does Fault Matter in a Workers’ Comp Auto Accident Claim?
When you are pursuing a claim against another driver for an accident, fault is crucial. Under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, fault is calculated as a percentage. If you are found partially at fault for an accident, the damages you receive can be directly reduced.
Workers’ compensation is very different. This system is not a civil case, it’s a no-fault insurance system. Under workers’ compensation in Florida, you do not need to show that someone else was at fault for your injuries. You can still qualify for benefits even if you were responsible for the accident as long as you were driving for work-related purposes.
Third-Party Claims and Auto Accidents
You may also have a claim against a third party in addition to workers’ compensation if another driver caused the accident. This can increase the compensation you can receive for your injuries but it may be challenging to pursue both claims.
With a third-party claim, you will need to show the other driver was at fault. Your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier will be entitled to reimbursement for a share of the workers’ comp benefits you receive if you recover from a third party.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Work Injury Lawyers Today
Injured in an auto accident on the job? You don’t have to go through the complicated workers’ compensation claims process alone. If you are ready to make a claim or your claim has already been denied, WorkInjuryRights.Com™ is here to help.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers represent injured workers throughout Florida with free consultations. You pay nothing unless we secure a jury award or settlement on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to review your claim.
