Injured in an On-the-Job Car Accident? How a Lancaster Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

When you think of on-the-job injuries, most people don’t think of being hurt in a car accident. But the truth is that motor vehicle crashes are one of the most common causes of deaths and injuries in the workforce. Employees who have been injured in car accidents while on the job have a legal right to workers’ compensation benefits, but these claims are often denied by employers or their insurance companies. It is important that you understand your rights and that you have experienced, dedicated legal representation. The Lancaster workers’ compensation attorneys from Vanasse Law, LLC are here to help.

One of the most essential questions that come up when an employee files a claim for workers’ compensation benefits following a car accident is whether they were actually “on the job” at the time that the accident occurs. Though accidents that occur while on your daily commute generally do not fall into this category, there are a number of circumstances that do, including:

• If you are making a delivery for your employer
• If you are running an errand for your employer
• If you are transporting another employee on behalf of your employer
• If you are a company driver and are on duty

These are clear-cut examples of on-the-job driving. Others include employees who do not have a fixed office and are required to drive for work or employees who are being paid by their employer for travel time. Even an accident that occurs on the way to or from the job may be viewed as a work-related accident if an employee has been asked to do something for their employer while on the way. In all of these cases, an accident is likely to qualify as having happened on the job and entitled the worker to workers’ compensation benefits.

Motor vehicle accidents that occur while on the job often result in both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims.  As an employee who is covered by workers’ compensation insurance, you have the right to file a claim for your medical expenses, as well as compensation for wages that you lose as a result of your injuries. Workers’ compensation may provide you with either temporary or permanent disability compensation depending upon the extent of your injury, and may also provide rehabilitation expenses. You may also be able to file a personal injury claim for damages that you have suffered against any party that was involved in your accident and who displayed negligence.

At the Lancaster County law firm of Vanasse Law, LLC, we understand that your employer has a responsibility to you whenever you are driving on their behalf, or injured in a motor vehicle accident while on the job. We can help determine what benefits you are entitled to and represent you in a workers’ compensation claim, as well as investigating whether or not negligence played a role in your accident and pursuing justice on that front. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.