On-the-job car accidents affect a wide range of employees in various fields. Of course, those with driving jobs like commercial truckers or postal workers are likely aware of the dangers of occupational accidents in their vehicles. However, those in construction, emergency medicine or sales industries might not think of the risks involved with driving at work.
After a work-related car accident, the employee likely is suffering from injuries, lost wages, plus piling medical bills and they want to recover compensation.
Work-related driving and employer responsibility
No matter if employees travel occasionally or frequently for their employer, if a motor vehicle accident occurs within the scope of employment, they likely have a right to workers’ compensation or liability insurance. While daily commuting and lunch breaks usually do not count as “work-related” travel, some examples of this type of travel are:
- Making a work delivery
- Traveling for work
- Driving to a meeting during the workday
- Chauferring another employee for work purposes
- Running an errand for your company
Injuries after a car accident
A TBI or traumatic brain injury occurs after an external physical force violently jolts the brain. The impact of a car crash shaking the brain against the skull may cause TBI. TBIs range from mild to severe, life-threatening injuries. A concussion is an example of a mild TBI.
Brain injuries can lead to an altered state of consciousness, diminished mobility, cognitive impairment and more. Other severe injuries that someone can sustain after a car accident are spinal cord injuries, limb loss, disfiguring facial scars, burns and internal organ injuries.
Unfortunately, sustaining injuries from a car accident while on the job happens, but employees often have legal recourse for compensation.