What Happens if I Get into a Car Accident at Work?

Car accidents can be a nerve-wracking experience. If you got into a car accident while driving for work, would you know what to do?
Each year, several thousand car owners and pedestrians alike are hurt in motor vehicle collisions. Though a large number of come about on long trips, whilst running errands or simply getting from one place to another, many who end up in accidents are on the job when the incident takes place. Truck drivers and delivery workers might be the first to come to mind, but workplace injuries begin in autos on a regular basis.

Salespeople, machinery operators, personal chauffeurs, police, urban or rural tour guides, cab drivers and anybody who makes use of a vehicle for work is subject to the challenges encountered by all drivers. Warehouse personnel, automobile mechanics and those behind the wheel of farm vehicles may also potentially submit a claim. Even a minor accident that happens along the way to a work-related business meeting, might be considered a workplace injury. If you’ve recently had a vehicle accident, how do you find out for sure if your damage is enough to file for benefits?

A workplace injury is understood to be one that occurs during the course of the normal workday. Although the would-be hazards may not present themselves on a regular basis, if the injury took place while you were on the job or going to a work-related function, there’s a possibility your employer’s insurance company could cover it. While it’s typically simple to pinpoint how the injury was connected with the endeavor or work itself, other elements must be verified. If there were no witnesses, it may be doubly hard to establish that the harm was sustained through no fault of yours, while you were accomplishing work activities as usual. In case of car accidents, the company’s insurance plan will often manage it irrespective of whether the driver was at fault. In a number of states, a superior or co-employee is protected by Worker’s Compensation regulations, and so the episode must arise as a result of some other's error or misdeed to apply.

If you have suffered an injury while working, obtain medical assistance if necessary. Make sure to document as diligently as possible the risks, environment, and outcome of the injury. Describe the injury to your manager and complete the necessary forms with as many details as you're able.