Car accidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. These accidents are not merely an issue for truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Work-related car accidents occur across many industries. 56% of workers who died in car accidents in 2020 were not employed in motor vehicle operator jobs. Undoubtedly, being involved in a work-related car accident is a stressful experience. These accidents can be life-altering, leaving you with lofty medical bills or the inability to return to work in the same capacity. Findlay work-related car accidents have the potential to devastate families. For this reason, our team of experienced attorneys works closely with injured workers and the families of deceased workers to seek legal remedies and secure compensation following an accident. We are passionate about advocating for the rights of individuals involved in work-related car accidents. If you were involved in an accident while on the job, you are not alone. Consider contacting Schaffer & Associates LPA to learn how we can help at (419) 359-8091 today.
How Do Work-Related Car Accidents Happen?
There is a range of circumstances that may lead to a work-related car accident. These accidents can occur in employer-owned vehicles or employee-owned personal vehicles that are used to perform work functions. Work-related accidents can take many forms, such as:
- Collisions involving two work vehicles or a work vehicle and a personal vehicle
- Accident in which a worker is struck by a vehicle
- Back-over accident
- Single-vehicle accidents involving a work vehicle
The causes of work-related car accidents are typically not very different from the causes of accidents that occur among the general population. Some of the most common causes of Findlay work-related car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless or careless driving
- Driver impairment
- Blind spots
- Driver fatigue
It is important to acknowledge that all workers, regardless of industry, are at risk of being involved in work-related car accidents. While some workers may face greater risk of being involved in a work-related car accident, such as EMTs, construction workers, and employees in trades or sales fields, these accidents can – and do – happen to anyone. Even if driving is not a primary duty of your job, you should be aware of the risks and your rights to compensation.
What Car Accidents Will Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Many times, injured workers are not aware that they may be able to receive workers’ compensation if they were involved in a work-related car accident. The ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits is dependent on whether the accident was directly related to your job.
It can be confusing to understand which tasks are considered job-related. If you were involved in an accident while driving a work vehicle but completing personal tasks, the accident will likely not be considered work-related. Moreover, your everyday commute to and from work does not count as job-related. The following tasks, on the other hand, may be compensable under workers’ compensation:
- Completing a work errand
- Making a delivery
- Driving a coworker for business purposes
- Traveling for work
- Driving to a meeting or job location
Ultimately, every situation is unique. If your car accident is considered work-related, you may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. The benefits that you receive will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, so it is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible following the accident. Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process for work-related car accidents can be complicated, leading many people to seek legal assistance. Your experienced Findlay work-related car accident attorney will work with you to examine your circumstances and determine if workers’ compensation benefits are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we believe in providing accessible and reliable information to protect the rights of injured workers. We often receive questions from current and prospective clients regarding who is responsible for work-related car accidents and how compensation is managed in the state of Ohio. As such, some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive include the following.
Who Is Responsible for a Work-Related Accident?
Many workers wonder who is responsible for a work-related accident and who will be held liable for the damages associated with the incident. According to Section 4101.11 of the Ohio Revised Code, your employer is legally required to provide a safe workplace. If your car accident is considered work-related, then your employer is responsible for your injuries and damages. This means that even if the accident was your fault, you may still receive compensation. In some cases, liability is not always as clear and straightforward, and multiple parties may be held responsible for the accident.
Are Multiple Parties Responsible in a Work-Related Car Accident?
In some Findlay work-related car accidents, multiple parties are responsible for the incident. Even if the car accident was work-related, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver. Ohio law allows an injured person to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. The amount of damages that a worker can recover in these situations will be reduced based on their own fault. This is legally referred to as contributory negligence. An individual who was injured in a work-related car accident may seek workers’ compensation benefits and recover damages in these cases.
Hire an Experienced Findlay Attorney Near You in Work-Related Car Accident Cases
Work-related car accidents pose unique challenges, requiring a focused legal strategy to mitigate the financial and emotional turmoil of the event. In many cases, compensation is required to fully recover from such accidents. The legal processes associated with obtaining compensation are complex and rarely straightforward. Understanding this, our team of experienced attorneys works closely with victims of Findlay work-related car accidents to recover damages and secure full and fair compensation. To talk about your situation in greater detail and begin creating a legal strategy that works for you, consider contacting Schaffer & Associates LPA to schedule a free consultation at (419) 359-8091 today.
