Being in a traffic accident is a traumatic experience. It can also be a very costly experience. Medical bills can quickly total thousands of dollars. You may also be out of work due to your injuries. If you do not have disability insurance, this could create a tremendous financial hardship. Below are two very important things you need to know if you are injured in a traffic accident while at work.
If You Are Driving Your Personal Car, You May Or May Not Be Covered By Workers’ Compensation
If you are in a traffic accident while on the job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. It depends on whether you were “on the job.” To determine if you were “on the job” for workers’ compensation purposes, we look at the scope of your employment. If you were doing something with the scope of your employment (i.e. performing a task directly related to your job), you should be covered by workers’ comp. For example, if you are running errands for work, such as going to the post office or picking up office supplies, you should be covered. If you are traveling to and from service calls or appointments with customers/client, you should be covered by workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation will not cover you if you are on your lunch break or you are commuting to and from work.
If You Are Driving Your Personal Car, You May Or May Not Be Able To File A Lawsuit
Workers’ compensation will pay your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages if you are in a traffic accident while on the job. It will even compensate you if you have a permanent disability, scaring, or disfigurement. However, workers’ compensation will not pay you for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering can be a substantial portion of a traffic accident settlement. You are not permitted to file a lawsuit against your employer for a job-related injury, but you may have a claim against the other driver. If another driver caused the traffic accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver. If so, you may be entitled to recover 100% of your lost wages, as well as, compensation for your pain and suffering. You could also recover compensation for other damages that are not compensable under a workers’ compensation claim.
Hire A Boca Raton Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Because you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond what you can recover in a workers’ comp claim, you should consult with our office before accepting any settlements. Furthermore, the insurance company or your employer may try to claim you were not on company time to deny your workers’ comp claim. You do not need to accept whatever the insurance company tells you. You have the right to consult with an attorney and appeal that decision. The Broderick Law Firm, P.L. wants to help protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our office today 1-800-333-3903 to speak with a Boca Raton workers’ comp attorney. We represent individuals in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale & Miami, FL.