You may know how to pursue compensation after a typical car accident, but what happens when you are involved in a car accident on company time or in a company vehicle? Work-related car accidents are often very different from other types of Oklahoma auto accidents. While you may have additional options for recovering compensation, it can also be more complicated to file a claim and get the money you need to recover from your injuries. The question of liability can also be complicated.
If you are involved in a car accident while working, you need to talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. At Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons, we help car accident victims navigate the complex process of recovering compensation after a car accident while on the clock. To discuss the specifics of your claim, contact our office for a free consultation.
What Happens if You Get in a Car Accident While Working?
Some careers involve a great deal of travel on company time and sometimes in company vehicles. So what happens if you get into an accident while on the clock? The answer may depend on several factors, including who is at fault and how seriously you are injured.
Determining who to file a claim with and who should be responsible for paying your medical expenses can become complicated. After a work-related car accident, you need to consult with an experienced personal injury law firm that is versed in Oklahoma workers’ compensation laws and is familiar with auto insurance policies. You can discuss the specifics of your situation and determine who might be responsible for compensating you with a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Who Is Responsible for a Work-Related Car Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a work-related car accident can be challenging. Determining liability after an accident requires investigating who is ultimately at fault for causing the crash. The answer is not always obvious, and more than one party can be considered at fault. Generally, those responsible for a work-related car crash can include:
- The employee
- The employer
- The other driver
- A third party, such as a car manufacturer or a parts manufacturer
Your options for recovering compensation following a work-related car accident will vary depending on the circumstances of the crash and who is at fault. Talking to a skilled car accident attorney is the best way to determine your legal options and what your claim may be worth.
Is My Company Liable if I Was in a Car Accident During Work?
An employer may be liable for a work-related car accident caused by their employee in some situations. When an employer is liable, they will be responsible for compensating the accident victim for their injuries. An employer may be held liable under the following conditions:
- The employee was on the clock when the accident occurred
- The employee was driving for a work-related task
- The employee was asked to transport another employee or company client
- The employee was driving as part of their normal duties or to benefit the employer
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Car Accidents?
In some scenarios, a car counts as an extension of the workplace. When an employee is injured in an auto accident while on the job, they may be entitled to seek workers’ compensation benefits. To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you must be injured in an accident on company time while performing a work-related task.
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation benefits will generally cover medical expenses related to the accident and a portion of an employee’s lost wages. Workers’ compensation benefits are also available to employees regardless of who caused the accident.
If another driver caused the accident while you were on company business, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits in addition to filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. You may also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurer.
It’s also important to know that you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation under certain circumstances. For example, employees may not be eligible when an accident occurs during their normal commute. They also may not be able to pursue workers’ comp if they were hurt while running personal errands. But there are exceptions to these general rules. That’s why the advice of an experienced lawyer is crucial.
Many companies will require employees to sign a contract or provide them with a handbook that outlines the company’s driving policies. If an employee breaches company policy, the company or their insurer may attempt to avoid covering the employee’s injuries. If you are unsure about the parameters of your company’s policy, talk to an experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney who can help navigate a workers’ comp car accident settlement.
Talk to Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Oklahoma City, OK Today
Navigating a work-related car accident claim is never easy. Start by contacting a car accident attorney at Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons. We provide victims like you with honest and straightforward advice about work-related car accident claims. We then build a compelling case that gives you the best opportunity to receive meaningful compensation.
At Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons, we have been in business for over 30 years. We know Oklahoma car accidents and workers’ comp law and are ready to stand up and fight for you. Don’t feel intimidated by an insurer or your employer following a car accident. Talk to a highly-rated car accident attorney about your options for recovering valuable compensation. If you’re an employee injured in an auto accident while on the job, contact us today to discuss your case for free.
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