Workers' Compensation Benefits for On-the-Job Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

November 08, 2012

Many jobs require employees to do some driving as part of their job responsibilities. From truck drivers, whose duties almost entirely consist of driving, to those who drive sporadically, such as businesses that occasionally deliver their products -- all of these employees are at risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident while on the job. After such an accident, in addition to making a claim against the at-fault driver, the injured Nevada employee may also be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits.

On-the-Job Motor Vehicle Accidents

Unfortunately, traffic accidents involving employees who are on the job are relatively common, and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of worker deaths in the U.S. is motor vehicle accidents. Annually, around 1,600 employees die in motor vehicle crashes, both on and off the highway. In addition, almost 350 pedestrian employees are killed after being hit by a vehicle.

In total, motor vehicle accidents account for 35 percent of all on-the-job fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, motor vehicle collisions also result in a large number of workers sustaining personal injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") has reported that every 10 seconds in the United States, an individual is injured in a motor vehicle crash.

Due to the large number of serious motor vehicle crashes involving American workers each year, OSHA created "Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes." These guidelines are meant to provide employers with some simple strategies to improve driver safety and reduce traffic incidents among members of their workforce.

These accidents can have huge economic costs for the injured worker -- as he or she often will have large, unexpected medical expenses, while also being unable to work. Consequently, it is important for workers in this difficult situation to be aware of their rights and the potential benefits available to them.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Car Accident Injuries

When a worker is involved in a motor vehicle accident while on the job, he or she is eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can provide for a variety of unexpected costs, including loss of wages and medical expenses. In addition, if a worker is killed in a motor vehicle collision, his or her family is eligible to receive workers' compensation survivor benefits.

The worker will need to prove he or she was performing a work-related activity to be eligible for such benefits. In addition, the worker will typically have to show that the injury sustained was caused by the car accident. As with other workers' compensation claims, the worker will need to provide proof of the injuries, including medical documentation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident while on the job, you may be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. In addition, there may be potential third party claims to be made against the other individuals responsible for the crash. In such situations, it is wise to consult with a skilled personal injury and workers' compensation attorney, who will be able to evaluate your case and ensure just compensation is obtained.

Article provided by Henness & Haight, Injury Attorneys
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