If you are injured in a work-related vehicle accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

To be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, you must be an employee of the company and your injury must have occurred while you were performing your job duties. Independent contractors are not eligible for these benefits. At The Workers Compensation Lawyer Law Firm in Los Angeles, we help workers who have sustained injuries from on-the-job vehicle accidents pursue a settlement. Call us today and speak to an experienced attorney for free.

What to Do After a Work-Related Vehicle Accident

If you are injured in a work-related vehicle accident, you should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Ensure you seek medical attention immediately even if you do not have any visible wound or bleeding. You will also need to fill out a workers' compensation claim form and provide any supporting documentation, such as a police report or medical records. Your employer will then submit the claim to their workers' compensation insurance carrier.

Once your claim is filed, the insurance carrier will investigate the accident and determine whether or not to approve your claim. If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits but if your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Note that workers' compensation benefits can be very helpful if you are injured in a work-related vehicle accident. However, it is important to keep in mind that these benefits are not always enough to cover all of your expenses. If you have significant medical bills or are unable to return to work, you may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. In this case, you may need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your legal options.

What NOT To Do After A Work-Related Vehicle Accident

What you do or say after being involved in a work-related vehicle accident can affect your workers’ compensation benefits. Here is a list of things that you should refrain from:

  • Do not admit fault for the accident
  • You should not delay seeking medical attention
  • Do not delay contacting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney

Types of Work-related Vehicle Accidents

There are many types of work-related vehicle accidents, but some of the most common include:

  • Rear-end collisions ⏤ Rear-end collisions are the most common type of workplace accident, accounting for 29% of all on-the-job vehicle accidents, according to the National Safety Council. They typically occur when a worker is backing up and doesn't see another worker or object in their path. To help prevent rear-end collisions at the workplace:
    • Ensure workers who operate vehicles are properly trained
    • Inspect vehicles regularly to ensure they're in good working order
    • Workers to use mirrors and backup cameras when backing up
    • Workers should sound their horns when backing up
    • Workers should wear high-visibility clothing when working around vehicles
    • Establish traffic patterns and marked pedestrian walkways
    • Post signs and traffic signals to warn workers of potential hazards
  • Head-on collisions ⏤ Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of accidents that can occur at work. These accidents can often result in serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has been involved in a head-on collision at work, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. There are a few things you can do to help prevent head-on collisions at work:
    • Make sure everyone is aware of the potential for head-on collisions and the importance of avoiding them
    • Establish and enforce rules and procedures for safe driving, including rules about staying in one's lane
    • Be sure that all work vehicles are in good repair and that their headlights and taillights are working properly
    • Increase visibility at work sites by making sure there is adequate lighting and by using reflectors or other devices to make vehicles more visible
    • Make sure drivers are properly trained and that they understand the importance of following safety procedures
  • Side-impact collisions ⏤ A side-impact collision is a type of car accident that occurs when the side of a vehicle is hit by another vehicle. If you are involved in a side-impact collision at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can help you cover medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if their negligence caused the accident. There are a few things you can do to prevent a side-impact accident at work:
    • Be aware of your surroundings and know where potential hazards are
    • If possible, avoid working in areas where there is a risk of side-impact accidents
    • If you must work in an area where there is a risk of side-impact accidents, take precautions to protect yourself, such as wearing protective gear
    • Be sure to follow all safety procedures and protocols in your workplace to help prevent accidents
  • Rollover accidents ⏤ A rollover car accident at work is when an employee is involved in a car accident while driving a company vehicle. This can include accidents that occur while the employee is driving to and from work, as well as accidents that occur while the employee is on the job. If you are injured in a car accident while on the job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can help you cover medical expenses and lost wages. You should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. There are several ways to prevent this type of accident at the workplace which include:
    • Wear your seatbelt
    • Make sure you are buckled up every time you get in the car
    • Pay attention to the road
    • Avoid distractions and focus on driving
    • Obey the speed limit Speeding is one of the leading causes of rollover accidents
    • Avoid alcohol drinking and driving is a recipe for disaster
  • Single-vehicle accidents ⏤ There are many potential hazards in the workplace that can lead to accidents, including slips, trips and falls, electrical hazards, and exposure to harmful chemicals. However, one of the most common types of accidents that occur in the workplace is the single-vehicle accident. Single-vehicle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but they often happen because of a lack of communication or because of a failure to follow safety procedures.

 In some cases, single-vehicle accidents are caused by equipment that is not properly maintained or by employees who are not properly trained. No matter what the cause of a single-vehicle accident is, employers need to take steps to prevent these accidents from happening. Some of the best ways to avoid single-vehicle accidents include:

  • Providing employees with proper training on how to safely operate equipment
  • Ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained
  • Creating a culture of safety in the workplace
  • Conducting regular safety audits
  • Investigating all accidents that do occur

What are the Causes of On-the-job Vehicle Accidents?

There are many potential causes of on-the-job vehicle accidents, including:

  • Distractions while driving, such as using a cellphone, eating, or talking to passengers
  • Fatigue
  • Poorly maintained vehicles
  • Inclement weather conditions
  • Poorly designed or maintained roadways
  • Intoxication
  • Reckless or aggressive driving

How Can I Prove a Work Injury?

For you to claim work injury benefits you must prove that:

  • You were injured while at work
  • You were engaging in work-related activities
  • You sustained an injury

Regardless of how minor or major your injury is, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as long as you can prove that your employment exposed you to the injuries. You also need to prove that you were doing the work that you are instructed by your employer to do and following their instructions. If the injury would not have occurred without the employment, the injury is considered a work injury.

California uses the no-fault compensation system which means that if you have been injured at your workplace, you do not have to prove that your employer is negligent for you to file a claim. Consequently, the employer cannot turn the blame on the employee to avoid compensating them. Note that the court decides every injury on a case-by-case basis.

There are some exceptions to the rule that an injury must be work-related to be covered by workers' compensation. These include:

  • Injuries that occur while an employee is commuting to or from work Injuries that occur while an employee is on a break
  • Injuries that occur while an employee is engaging in illegal activities Injuries that occur while an employee is intoxicated
  • Injuries that occur while an employee is engaging in horseplay Injuries that occur while an employee is engaging in a fight Injuries that occur while an employee is engaging in a voluntary activity
  • Injuries that occur while an employee is engaging in an activity that is not part of his or her job duties Injuries that occur while an employee is not on the job site
  • Injuries that occur while an employee is not working Injuries that occur while an employee is on vacation Injuries that occur while an employee is on leave
  • Injuries that occur while an employee is on sick leave Injuries that occur while an employee is on maternity leave Injuries that occur while an employee is on paternity leave

What is the Process of Filing a Work Injury Claim in California?

The process of filing a work injury claim in California generally involves the following steps:

  • The injured worker must notify their employer of the injury within 30 days
  • The employer must then provide the injured worker with a claim form (DWC-1) within one day
  • The injured worker must complete the claim form and submit it to the employer
  • The employer must then forward the claim form to their workers' compensation insurance carrier
  • The insurance carrier will then investigate the claim and decide on benefits

Filing a Third-party Lawsuit For a Work-related Motor Vehicle Accident

If you are involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver in addition to your workers' compensation claim. This can be a good strategy for obtaining full compensation for your injuries if workers' comp benefits don't cover all your expenses.

File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company

 If you are involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident, you should file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. You may also be able to file a claim against your own insurance company if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

File a Workers' Compensation Claim

If you suffer a work-related injury in a motor vehicle accident, you should file a workers' compensation claim with your employer's insurance company. You should do this even if the accident was not your fault.

File a Third-Party Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver

If you are involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver in addition to your workers' compensation claim. This can be a good strategy for obtaining full compensation for your injuries if workers' comp benefits don't cover all your expenses. To file a third-party lawsuit, you will need to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This can be done by showing that the other driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or otherwise breaking the law. If you have been involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Denial for an on-the-job Vehicle Accident

If you were involved in a work-related vehicle accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, your employer or their insurance company may deny your claim. If this happens, you can appeal the denial and have a chance to present your case to an impartial judge.

Frequently Asked Questions About On-the-job Vehicle Accidents

We have compiled a list of the frequently asked questions below to help you better understand on-the-job vehicle accidents.

How do I know if I am covered under my insurance policy if I am in an on-the-job vehicle accident?

If you are in an accident while driving a vehicle for work purposes, you may be covered under your employer’s commercial auto insurance policy. If you are unsure, you should check with your employer or insurance agent to confirm.

How do I file a claim if I am in an on-the-job vehicle accident?

If you are in an on-the-job vehicle accident, you should file a claim with your employer’s insurance company. You will need to provide them with information about the accident, including when and where it occurred, as well as any injuries or damage that resulted.

What if the other driver is at fault for the on-the-job vehicle accident?

If the other driver is at fault for the on-the-job vehicle accident, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance company. You should check with your employer or insurance agent to see if this is an option in your case.

What if I am injured in an on-the-job vehicle accident?

If you are injured in an on-the-job vehicle accident, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You should check with your employer or insurance agent to see if this is an option in your case.

How do on-the-job vehicle accidents happen?

On-the-job vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, and poor road conditions.

Who is at fault for an on-the-job vehicle accident?

Fault for an on-the-job vehicle accident can be difficult to determine. However, if an employer requires employees to use a company vehicle for work, the employer may be held liable for any accidents that occur.

What are the consequences of an on-the-job vehicle accident?

The consequences of an on-the-job vehicle accident can be severe and may include injuries, property damage, and even death. In addition, the accident may result in the loss of work time and wages.

I was in an on-the-job vehicle accident and I am not sure if I am covered. Who should I contact?

When you have been hurt while driving a vehicle for work or have been involved in an auto accident while working, you may have a workers' compensation claim. You may also have a claim against the at-fault driver. These can be complicated cases, so it is best to contact an attorney.

I received a Workers' Compensation settlement for a job injury. I am still having problems with my injury, can I reopen my case?

It depends. If your settlement was for a specific injury, you may still be able to reopen your case if you are still having problems with that injury. If your settlement was for your overall disability, you may be able to reopen your case if your disability has gotten worse. It is best to consult with an attorney before trying to reopen your case.

I am a federal employee who was injured at work. Can I file a workers' compensation claim?

Federal employees who have been injured at work are covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). The FECA provides for income and medical benefits if you are injured at work or get sick because of your job. The FECA only covers federal government employees.

How long do I have to file a claim for an on-the-job vehicle accident?

This will vary depending on the state in which the accident occurred. However, most states require that a claim be filed within a certain period after the accident, often between 30 and 180 days.

What if I am injured in an on-the-job vehicle accident and am not able to work?

If you are injured in an on-the-job vehicle accident and you are not able to work, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can include medical expenses and income replacement

What if the employee is liable for an on-the-job vehicle accident?

If the employee is liable for an on-the-job vehicle accident, the employee may be responsible for any damages caused by the accident. The employee may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

What if my Workers’ Compensation claim for an on-the-job vehicle accident is rejected?

If your Workers' Compensation claim is rejected, you may be able to file an appeal.

What Is a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

A workers’ compensation attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the laws that govern workplace injuries and illnesses. Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers file for benefits and appeals, and they can also represent injured workers in court if necessary.

How Do You Find a Good Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

You can ask your family and friends for referrals to workers’ compensation attorneys in your area. You can also search online for workers’ compensation attorneys. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, you should read online reviews and schedule consultations with each attorney to determine if they are a good fit for your case

Are Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Free?

No, they are not free. Workers’ compensation lawyers must be paid for their time and expertise. However, most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you recover benefits.

What Is a Workers’ Comp ‘Independent’ Medical Examination?

A workers’ comp independent medical examination (IME) is a medical examination of an injured worker that is conducted by a physician who is not involved in the worker’s care. The IME is used to determine the extent of the worker’s injuries and whether they are related to workplace accidents.

Find a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Near Me

If you need help making a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, or are struggling with a denied claim, you should contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at The Workers Compensation Lawyer Law Firm in Los Angeles. We will do our best to help you pursue a settlement through compensation coverage and walk with you through the whole process. Contact us today at 424-501-9228 for a free initial consultation.