Car Accidents On The Job
Car accidents on the job are one of the scariest experiences for individuals. After an accident, most people don’t know what to do or who to turn to. A Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight for the benefits you rightfully deserve when you’re injured on the job.
In Massachusetts, traffic accidents account for a small percentage of workers’ comp claims. Yet, due to the severe nature of these accidents, auto accidents are a leading cause of severe work-related injuries and fatalities.
Were you injured in a work-related vehicle accident? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
A Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Our legal team wants to help. We have extensive experience with workers’ compensation cases in Massachusetts, including workplace vehicle accidents. Our team will help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
Call now for a free case review to learn more about your legal options: 978-216-1152.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents On The Job
Car accidents on the job cause severe injuries and can have life-altering consequences for victims. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, car accidents result in one-fifth of all severe work-related injuries.
These accidents can be caused for many reasons, but the majority of accidents fall into two categories: Being struck by a vehicle, or colliding with another vehicle. Workers in some industries are at a higher risk of being involved in a work-related auto accident. Risk factors include:
- Working near roadways – Nearly 100 work-related collisions occur each day in the U.S. In fact, being struck by a vehicle while at work is one of the most common causes of workers’ compensation auto accident claims in Massachusetts.
- Construction zones – Construction areas tend to be heavily trafficked by vehicles and construction equipment. Construction site traffic is a leading cause of workers’ compensation auto accidents.
- Commercial trucking – Long-distance truck driving is one of the most dangerous industries, and work-related injuries cause thousands of severe injuries every year.
- Delivery drivers – Delivery drivers are under constant pressure to meet quotas, no matter the road conditions. If you were injured while on a delivery route, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Chauffeurs and taxi drivers – Hired drivers spend countless hours on the road each week. This industry faces some of the highest rates of work-related motor vehicle accidents.
Can I File For Workers’ Compensation For Car Accidents On The Job?
Workers’ compensation is available for injuries that occur while at work. In most cases, that does not include accidents that happen while commuting to the workplace. In Massachusetts, the “coming and going” rule does not protect workers on their commutes. But there are some exceptions to the rule. A few examples include:
- Salespeople/Traveling nurses – If your job requires you to spend several hours driving each day, or you do not have a traditional workplace and work from your vehicle, you may be exempt from the coming and going rule.
- On-Call workers – If you are called into work, you may be eligible for benefits if an injury occurs after you’ve been called in.
- Work-related errands – If you were sent out to pick up supplies, or to run a quick errand, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Ultimately, coming and going accident cases are highly complex. A qualified Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer is necessary for protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation For Vehicle Accident Victims
The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted to provide workers with a way to receive financial relief after sustaining injuries at work.
Workers’ compensation benefits help to reimburse workers for present and future medical costs, as well as offset lost wages from time spent away from work. Benefits are available for non-financial costs as well. Workers’ compensation benefits are available for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Partial disability
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
Average weekly wages. In particular, workers’ compensation benefits provide on-going income for injured employers. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be entitled to a percentage of your weekly salary, often about two-thirds. You can begin receiving benefits within five days of your accident.
Wrongful death. Vehicle accidents account for nearly 40 percent of all work-related fatalities. The families of victims are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in cases of wrongful death.
Do I Need To Hire A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If you were injured in a workplace accident, you are entitled to benefits through your employer. Unfortunately, in Massachusetts, workers can find it difficult to obtain their rightful benefits.
Employers in the state pay insurers to cover workers’ compensation claims, and insurance companies are notorious for bullying victims. They may ignore, delay, or deny your claims, making it difficult to receive compensation when you need it most.
When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, your attorney’s job is to protect you from this aggressive behavior. Your attorney will be tasked with investigating your accident, collecting evidence, and helping you build a strong case for workers’ compensation. Your lawyer also helps you through the filing process, ensuring everything is done correctly to ensure you receive benefits quickly.
Request a Free Case Evaluation With An Experienced Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Car accidents on the job can be traumatizing. If you’ve been injured in a work-related auto accident, you’re likely scared, in shock and unsure of who to trust. We want to help. Our experienced legal team at the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Young has helped numerous Massachusetts residents file workers’ compensation claims. And we can help you fight for any and all benefits that you rightfully deserve.
Call us at 978-216-1152 or email us now for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll review the facts of your case and help you determine what legal steps to take.