Workers’ compensation rules protect professionals and the companies that hire them. Businesses that comply with workers’ compensation regulations indemnify themselves from liability. They don’t have to worry about employees suing them if they get hurt on the job. Workers benefit from the program by having no-fault protection for work injuries and job-related illnesses.
Many workers’ compensation cases are simple. A worker gets hurt while on the clock, and they notify their employer. They apply for benefits to pay for their medical treatment and any lost wages they incur. People who fall or get hurt by a tool are usually confident about pursuing benefits. However, professionals can get hurt in many different circumstances.
If a worker has to drive as one of their job responsibilities, does workers’ compensation cover collision injuries?
Crashes injure many employees
Some people drive for work every single day. Delivery professionals and plumbers are among those who may have to drive as part of their basic job responsibilities. Others may drive occasionally. Store managers may need to go to the bank to get change or make a deposit. Salespeople may have to visit a client’s facilities.
Car crashes are one of the most common sources of catastrophic workplace injuries and workplace fatalities. Regardless of whether driving is a daily part of a worker’s job or an occasional responsibility, they can get hurt while driving for work.
Provided that the worker was on the clock at the time of the crash, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Fault for the collision typically does not matter unless the situation involves intoxication at the wheel. Unlike car insurance, workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage.
Professionals hurt in collisions can recover a portion of their lost wages and cover their medical expenses using workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation is not typically an option for those hurt during their commute to or from their workplace. Typically only incidents that occur on the clock make an employee eligible for workers’ compensation.
Injured employees coping with major injuries may need help filing a workers’ compensation claim, and that’s okay. Learning more about the rules that apply to benefits can help professionals recognize when they may be eligible for benefits.