Work-Related Car Accidents in NJ: Who Is Responsible?

Work-Related Car Accidents in NJ: Who Is Responsible?

Work-related car accidents are common in New Jersey. Many people assume that they are covered under their employers' workers' compensation insurance. However, this is not always the case.

If you have been hurt at work, you may be able to file a workers' comp claim against your employer. If your employer's insurance carrier does not properly investigate your injury and pay your medical bills, you may be able to recover damages.

At Garden State Justice Group, our workers' compensation attorneys have helped many people who have been injured at work in New Jersey get the benefits they deserve.

Local hospitals that treat car accident injuries:

Work-Related Car Accidents: Who is Responsible?

Car accidents happen every day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1 million workers were injured in car crashes between 2007 and 2011. This means that roughly 300,000 employees suffered nonfatal injuries due to car crashes.

Whether you were injured in a work-related car accident due to another driver's negligence or you were injured due to your employer's negligent actions, you may face legal action against the party responsible for causing your injuries.

This means that if you were involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you incurred as a result of the accident.

What Are Some Types of Vehicle Accidents that Happen in Workplaces?

Workplace accidents happen every day. They can cause serious injuries and even death. Injuries can occur due to poor safety practices, unsafe equipment, and lack of training.

Car crashes are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes account for approximately 30% of all fatal workplace accidents.

The most common work-related auto accidents and other work vehicles include:

  • A single-vehicle accident involving a work vehicle or personal vehicle
  • An accident between two work vehicles
  • An accident between a work vehicle and a personal vehicle
  • When a worker is struck by a work vehicle
  • When a worker is struck by a personal vehicle
  • When a worker is injured in a back-over accident

The most common causes of work-related vehicle accidents include the following:

  • Driver distraction
  • Blind spots
  • Back-over accidents
  • Reckless driving
  • Driver impairment
  • Drowsy driving

Who Is Liable In a Company Vehicle Accident?

Generally speaking, employers are held legally accountable for workplace injuries that occur within the scope of employment. This means that employees are protected under workers' compensation laws, regardless of whether the injury was caused by the employee's supervisor, co-worker, or customer.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if an employee injures themself while performing duties unrelated to their job, they may still be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Similarly, if an employee is injured while using tools or equipment provided by their employer, the employer may be considered legally responsible for the accident.

Employers should ensure that safety rules are followed at all times, especially when working near moving machinery or vehicles.

Can I Collect Workers' Compensation for a Work-Related Vehicle Accident?

Workers' compensation insurance protects employees against injuries caused by workplace accidents. If an employee suffers a work-related injury, workers' compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.

However, if you were injured in a vehicle accident due to another person's negligence, you may be eligible to collect damages from that party under the law known as "third-party liability." This means that you may be entitled to recover damages from the negligent driver for any losses you suffered as a result of his actions.

In order to qualify for third-party liability, you must prove that the driver was responsible for causing your injuries. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, you would probably be unable to collect damages from him. However, if you were struck by a car driven by a reckless teenager, you may be able to sue the teen's parents for damages.

If you were injured in a work-related vehicle accident, you may be able to file a claim against your employer for worker's compensation benefits. To win such a case, you must show that your employer was liable for your injuries.

Do Workers' Compensation Benefits Still Apply if I Was Driving My Own Vehicle for Work?

Workers' compensation benefits are designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages for injured workers. If you were driving your own vehicle for work, would these benefits still apply?

In most cases, yes. However, if you were driving your own car for work, you may qualify for additional coverage under your employer's auto insurance policy. This is called "excess liability insurance."

Excess Liability Insurance Coverage

If you drive an automobile owned by your employer, you may be eligible for excess liability insurance coverage. This means that you are protected against any injuries caused by another driver. This protection does not extend to accidents involving your personal vehicles.

However, if you are involved in an accident while driving your own vehicle for business purposes, you may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits.

How Does Excess Liability Cover Differ From Workers' Comp?

While workers' compensation covers medical bills and lost wages, excess liability insurance provides additional coverage for damages resulting from bodily injury.

For example, if you are hurt in an accident while driving a company vehicle, you may be entitled only to workers' comp benefits. But if you are hurt in a similar accident while driving your own car, you may be entitled instead to recover damages from the negligent party.

Can I Get Both?

Yes, you can get both types of coverage. However, you should contact your employer first to determine whether he has purchased these policies for his employees.

To learn more about workers' compensation and excess liability insurance, call our Garden State Justice Group law firm.

Should I Hire a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

However, workers comp laws are designed to protect employees from workplace injuries caused by employers. If you were injured on the job, you may qualify for benefits under workers comp laws.

There are several reasons why hiring a workers' compensation attorney is a smart idea. Here are three of the top ones:

  • They Can Help You Get Medical Care
  • They Can Help You File a Claim
  • They Can Help You Get the Maximum Compensation Available

Hiring a workers' compensation lawyer gives you access to resources that you wouldn't otherwise have. For example, you won't have to pay for any legal services unless you win your case. This means you can focus on healing without worrying about additional costs.

Additionally, you'll be represented by an expert who has years of experience working with employers and insurance companies. They'll know how to negotiate settlements and fight back against unfair claims.

Finally, you'll benefit from the expertise of an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. They'll be able to provide advice on everything from filing paperwork to negotiating settlements.

Get the Compensation You Deserve, Call Today

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Shane Sullivan, Esq.
Date Published: October 28, 2022
Shane Sullivan, Esq. is a New Jersey Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer that represents those who were injured or the family's of those killed by the negligence of others in personal injury lawsuits throughout New Jersey.
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