Founding Partner
If you’re driving your car from one worksite to another, or if you’re driving while performing work tasks and you get into a car accident, what do you do next?
Step 1: Call the Police
Your employer might tell you not to call the police, but it’s crucial to report the crash. Insurance companies usually need a police report before they’ll accept a car accident claim, and you might have severe injuries. Calling the police addresses both of these issues, but avoid discussing fault with anyone, and don’t say anything that might implicate you.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
If you qualify for workers’ compensation—and most North Carolina workers do—your employer should cover any medical expenses related to the crash. However, you could lose your benefits if you don’t report the crash within 30 days. Notify your supervisor or someone in HR in writing if possible. If your injuries prevent you from reporting the accident, ask a coworker to make the report.
Step 3: Seek Medical Treatment
Since the crash happened at work, you must see a doctor your employer chooses to treat your injuries. If you need emergency treatment, go to the ER. Be thorough when describing your injuries without exaggerating. Not mentioning any injuries you sustained can make it harder to recover fair compensation, while lying about or exaggerating your injuries could cause your employer to deny your claim outright.
Step 4: Document the Collision and Your Injuries
Save all your medical records and receipts, as these documents help demonstrate your losses and are crucial for a personal injury claim, which you may be entitled to file in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
Write down everything you remember about the crash as soon as possible so you can refer to your notes later. Save any photos or videos you took of the crash scene. If you obtained eyewitness contact information, keep that, too, to pass along to your lawyer.
Step 5: Do Not Discuss the Crash with Anyone Other than Your Lawyer
Your employer and insurance companies can use anything you say about the accident against you in a workers’ comp or personal injury claim. This rule also applies to your social media posts. Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than a lawyer, and do not post about the accident on social media.
Step 6: Contact an Attorney
Hiring a North Carolina work injury lawyer is vital to recovering full compensation after a car accident at work. Your lawyer can evaluate your legal options, handle the necessary claims forms, and gather evidence to maximize your compensation.
Compensation for a Car Accident at Work in Charlotte, North Carolina
Workers’ compensation covers all work-related injuries in North Carolina regardless of fault. As long as you weren’t intoxicated when the crash happened, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance should cover all your accident-related medical bills. You could also receive a portion of your lost wages and other benefits through workers’ comp.
If you didn’t cause the crash, you can also file a personal injury claim against the other driver. Personal injury claims allow you to seek compensation for a broader range of losses than what workers’ comp covers, including money for:
- The full amount of your lost wages
- Reduced future earnings due to an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to your vehicle
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Now
The Charlotte injury attorneys at Bradford Law know you’re stressed and have questions after a car accident at work. We can evaluate your injuries, help you file a workers’ comp or personal injury claim, and protect your rights throughout the legal process. Call Bradford Law today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
