Some professionals spend the majority of their workday on the road. Semi-truck drivers, paramedics in ambulances and delivery drivers are among those who drive frequently for work. Such professionals are likely aware that the risk of a collision is one of the most dangerous aspects of their professions.
Plenty of other professionals may drive occasionally for work. Plumbers and HVAC professionals may drive company fleet vehicles out to service calls. People working in sales, information technology, corporate management and a host of other professions may occasionally need to drive as part of their essential job responsibilities. Professionals who are out on the road are at risk of a crash. Even if they are very cautious while driving for work, they can end up involved in a crash caused by a distracted or intoxicated motorist.
Can those involved in a collision while working secure workers’ compensation benefits for their losses?
Some driving may make workers eligible
Confusion about benefits eligibility is relatively common. Some workers might mistakenly think that they could file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if they get into a crash during their daily commute. However, they are not on the clock when those collisions occur. Therefore, they are not eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.
A worker typically needs to be on the clock to be eligible. Social workers, Human Resources professionals picking up a trainer from the airport and countless others who drive while on duty for work could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after a crash. Collisions are a leading cause of worker injury and death. They can be in a company vehicle or in their own vehicle and still qualify for benefits.
How workers’ compensation can help
The benefits available through workers’ compensation can be very useful for those involved in car crashes. Workers’ compensation provides medical coverage that can pay for the necessary treatment costs generated by collision injuries. If their injuries make a leave of absence from work necessary, the injured employee can also potentially qualify for disability benefits until they can return to work full-time.
Reporting an incident to an employer and seeking appropriate medical care are both important steps for those who may need workers’ compensation benefits following a car crash that causes injuries while on the job. Workers hurt because of their jobs are often eligible for benefits regardless of who might be at fault for their injuries.