Liability for some injuries tends to be simple and straightforward. When a drunk driver causes a crash, they are responsible for the losses sustained by other people. If a worker gets hurt on the job, they typically have the option of filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Some situations are more complicated because they might involve different types of liability. Car crashes that occur while people are on the job are somewhat common. Collisions are a top cause of worker fatalities and may cause devastating injuries.
Who typically pays for the cost of a car crash while a worker is on the clock?
Workers’ compensation likely applies
In most car crash scenarios, fault is the main consideration when looking at options for compensation. If the injured person was also the party at fault for the crash, they may not be able to obtain financial compensation through insurance or personal injury lawsuits.
However, if the person who caused the crash was an employee on the job at the time of the incident, then workers’ compensation may protect them. Workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage that can help workers cover their expenses. Injured professionals may be eligible for medical benefits and disability benefits to replace their lost wages, even if they made a mistake that caused the wreck.
If the other driver is at fault, then the employee hurt while working has several options available. They can file a workers’ compensation claim and possibly also a liability-based car insurance claim. Workers’ compensation can cover losses that car insurance may not, such as long-term medical care expenses that exceed available liability coverage.
Reviewing the circumstances of a recent work injury can help professionals evaluate their options. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available in a broad range of circumstances, including car wrecks.
