If your accident was work-related, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Being in a car accident is never a good thing. But if you’re driving the company car, it raises a whole host of issues. If you were hurt while in a crash in the company car, you will likely be able to get workers’ compensation benefits — with the help of a California workers’ comp lawyer.
In an accident involving a vehicle owned by your employer, there are two types of insurance that may be relevant. First, your employer will have liability insurance through their general liability and commercial vehicle insurance policy. This type of insurance will pay for damages that are sustained by a third party, such as the driver of the other car. Second, a workers’ compensation insurance policy will provide benefits to any employees who were hurt in the wreck.
As a California workers’ comp lawyer can explain, in most cases, if you suffered a work-related injury, you can usually only file a workers’ compensation claim. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if a third party (like the other driver) was at fault or if your employer acted intentionally. Otherwise, your injuries and wage losses will be covered by workers’ comp.
Under California law, in order to qualify for workers’ compensation, your injury must be related to work or have occurred int he course of your employment. If you are in a collision involving the company car, it may be considered work-related. This can happen while you are making deliveries, running errands for work, transporting another employee or customer, driving as part of your job, or when you are on work-related travel. Generally, you cannot file a workers’ comp claim for an accident that happened during your regular commute — unless you were performing a duty related to your job during your commute.
The workers’ compensation system is no fault. This is important, because it means that you don’t have to prove that your employer did something wrong in order to collect benefits. It also means that even if you were at fault for the accident, you will probably be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. According to a California workers’ comp lawyer, there are some exceptions to this general rule, such as if you intentionally crashed or were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred.
Workers’ compensation insurance companies are in business to make money — not to ensure that injured employees like you get the most possible benefits. They often have teams of lawyers and other professionals dedicated to fighting claims made by workers like you. A California workers’ comp lawyer can help you level the playing field — and advocate for your right to benefits.
PLBH represents employees throughout California who have been hurt at work. Contact us today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.