Employees often know how workers’ compensation covers an injury if it is incurred on the premise of their job site, however, the concept of coverage relating to traveling in the course of employment is generally misunderstood. If you are required to drive in order to travel to and from work or for specific job duties and are involved in an automotive accident during that time, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Although this seems like an untraditional form of a workplace injury, if you are hurt while participating in activity that is necessary to uphold your job responsibilities or required by your employer, you have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Rising Threat of Automotive Accidents
Over the last decade, workers’ compensation reports involving automotive accidents have climbed. This can be contributed to the increased use of cellphones while driving or simply the larger volume of cars on the road as mobility across the country grows. Taking into account the increased probability of suffering from a car accident on the way to work, returning home from work, or somewhere in between, it is essential that you fully understand your rights as an employee if you find yourself in this situation.
There are specific occupations that are more at risk of an auto-related injury. If your job falls under one of these categories, you should take extra precaution while on the road but also ensure that you are comfortable with filing a workers’ compensation claim if you find yourself dealing with an unexpected and unfortunate accident.
- Trucking industry
- Sales representatives
- Chauffeur
- Automotive workers
- Traveling consultants
Next Steps
If you have been in an automotive accident as a direct result of your job and believe you should be compensated for your damages and injuries, don’t wait another minute to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. Sometimes, in automotive accident claims, it can be difficult to prove that the injury was incurred in the course of employment which is why contacting an attorney who is knowledgeable about the system and claims filing process is the best first step when seeking compensation. Call Poirier Law Firm today to seek the justice and benefits you deserve!
Source: https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20200624/NEWS08/912335277/Vehicle-accidents-increase-in-workers-compensation-NCCI#