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Car accidents can happen anywhere – at any time. Unfortunately, this means that they can also occur while you’re on the job. If you are involved in a car accident while on the job, you may be very concerned as to what will happen. Here’s what to do if you are in a car accident while on the job.
In North Carolina car accidents, you can be barred from recovering compensation if you were at fault. However, when you are injured in a car accident while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, no matter who was at fault, so long as it happened during the normal course of employment.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Injuries often occur from car accidents, resulting in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and more. But if you are an employee for a North Carolina company that employs at least three people full-time, you can usually attain workers’ compensation benefits. The first thing you can do is file a claim for them. The money that you get can go to your related costs. However, this is likely not the case for independent contractors, such as people who driver for ridesharing companies like Uber or Lyft. In such a case it’s unlikely that the company will be held responsible for your injuries. It’s important to note that there are some exceptions, so it’s always best to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Follow the Instructions of Your Employer
If you are involved in a car accident either while on the clock or in a work-issued vehicle, it’s imperative that you inform your employer as soon as possible. Your employer will likely ask you to do a couple of things in order to proactively prevent any reasons as to why their insurance company may deny the claim, which would prevent you from recovering workers’ compensation. This may involve a task such as seeing a recommended physician to test you for drugs and alcohol.
There are some instances in which filing for workers’ compensation doesn’t prohibit you from also receiving compensation through a lawsuit with the car insurance company. Put simply, you could end up with two different claims: workers’ compensation and personal injury.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to do what they can to prevent having to pay out. Luckily, a qualified personal injury attorney can help to fight for what you deserve.
The Attorneys at Bradford Law Help Those in Charlotte Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident While on the Job
If you have been injured in a car accident while on the job, your first priority is getting the medical care you need to heal and get back on track. But you also deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms and losses. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified North Carolina personal injury attorney who has experience with workers’ compensation.
At Bradford Law, we will work tirelessly to hold any responsible parties accountable and get you meaningful compensation. We have comprehensive knowledge of the applicable workers’ compensation, negligence, and insurance laws and will put those laws to work for you. We understand the lasting impact a serious injury can have on you and your family and will make sure that all of your medical and financial needs are met. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
