Any type of car accident can cause serious, life-changing injuries. If the other driver was at fault, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them and seek damages. Things can get a bit more complicated if your accident occurs while you were “on the clock.” Workplace car accidents typically qualify as work-related injuries, meaning you may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
If you recently suffered injuries in a workplace car accident and are not sure what to do next, turn to Morrison & Hughes for personalized legal advice and advocacy. Our Georgia workplace car accident lawyers have decades of experience handling both personal injury lawsuits and workers’ compensation claims, making our team uniquely equipped to enforce the full extent of your rights and pursue all avenues of recovering compensation. After evaluating your circumstances, we can walk you through your legal options and recommend the optimal path forward.Â
At Morrison & Hughes, we help injured employees fight for the workers’ compensation benefits they’re entitled to under Georgia law. Contact us online or call 404-LAW-TEAMtoday!
When the stakes are high, clients turn to Tristan B. Morrison. With more than 20 years of trial-tested experience, Tristan has earned a reputation for delivering results in even the toughest injury cases. His AV Preeminent rating reflects the respect he’s earned from peers and opponents alike, and his background defending insurance companies gives him unique insight into how they operate—and how to beat them.
Tristan is trusted to handle the most serious claims, from catastrophic injuries and traumatic brain injuries to amputations and complex workplace accidents. Known for his relentless preparation and courtroom skill, he has secured numerous victories for his clients and continues to fight tirelessly for those whose lives have been changed by negligence.
You are only covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy when you sustain a work-related injury. A work-related injury refers to any injury you suffer while “on the clock.” This means that if you were driving somewhere to do something that benefits your employer, any injuries sustained in a crash likely qualify as work-related injuries.
Injuries sustained in a workplace car accident likely qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits if:
It is important to understand that a crash that occurs when you are commuting to and from your worksite is not generally considered a workplace car accident since you are not yet “on the clock”. There is an exception, however: If you were traveling to run an errand before or after work that your boss explicitly asked you to complete when the collision occurred, your injuries may still be covered by workers’ compensation insurance, even if you were technically “off the clock.”
Still not sure if you are covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation policy? Our Georgia workplace car accident attorneys can assess your circumstances and determine your eligibility. Even if you are not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you could have other means of recovering damages depending on who was liable for the crash.
Unlike a personal injury lawsuit, you do not need to establish the negligence of another party to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. This means that you can get compensation for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages if you cannot work even if the accident was your fault. Accessing workers’ compensation benefits can be tremendously difficult, however, as the majority of initial claims are denied.Â
Our team understands what goes into a successful workers’ compensation claim and can assist you throughout the process. We can also help you prepare a strong appeal and represent you in your hearing if your initial claim was rejected.
Workers’ compensation will not cover non-economic damages, which refers to the intangible consequences that come with car accident injuries. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a loss of enjoyment of life. If the other driver’s negligence caused a workplace accident, you have the option of pursuing two separate claims: a workers’ compensation claim and what is called a “third-party” personal injury claim. The workers’ compensation claim is filed with your employer’s insurance company, while the third-party lawsuit is filed against the negligent driver. To secure damages through a personal injury claim, you will have to prove negligence and establish fault.Â
You owe it to yourself to pursue every means of recovering damages. At Morrison & Hughes, we make it our mission to help you recover maximum compensation, no matter your circumstances. Workers’ compensation benefits will not cover many of the very real impacts of your injuries, which is why potentially pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit can be crucial to getting the financial resources you need to get your life back on track. When working to prove fault, we leverage advanced technologies – including 3D printing and 3D accident reconstructions – to establish negligence and strengthen cases. Dealing with these injuries can be overwhelming, but our Georgia workplace car accident lawyers have your back.
Do not wait to discuss your options after getting into a workplace car accident. Call 404-LAW-TEAM or contact us onlinetoday!
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