Your job duties may heavily involve operating a motor vehicle. You may be a salesperson who frequently uses your company’s car to meet with prospective clients, a driver who uses a large truck or 18-wheeler to make daily deliveries, or otherwise. Regardless of your specified profession, there may come a time when you unfortunately get involved in a car accident while “on the clock.” Continue reading to learn what to do to recover from your work-related injuries and damages and how an experienced Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP can help you take the right approach.
What kind of coverage do I have after an on-the-job car accident?
For one, after your on-the-job car accident, you may be eligible to receive coverage from your company’s workers’ compensation program. For this to work, though, you must undoubtedly confirm that your accident was work-related. Examples of work-related circumstances are as follows:
- Your car accident occurred during your assigned working hours.
- Your car accident occurred while you were performing assigned job duties.
- Your car accident occurred while you were still on an employer’s property, under certain conditions.
- Your car accident occurred while you were operating an employer-authorized vehicle, under certain conditions.
If none of the above circumstances apply, your alternative option may be to opt into your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage through your auto insurance plan. Your PIP coverage combined with your health insurance plan may work to cover your resulting medical bills.
What approach should I take after a work-related car accident?
Immediately following your work-related car accident, you must take an approach similar to what you would do in the event of an “off the clock” accident. That is, you must follow the below steps:
- Call a law enforcement officer to the scene of your accident, where they may conduct an official accident report.
- Exchange contact information and auto insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in your accident.
- Take photos and videos of your bodily injuries, car damages, and any hazards present at the scene of your accident.
- Speak with witnesses and ask their willingness to provide oral or written testimonies on what they saw play out.
- Allow medical first responders to transport you in an ambulance to the emergency room for an initial medical examination.
That said, you must consider additional initiatives if you intend to seek coverage via a workers’ compensation claim. For one, you must inform your employer of the accident as soon as possible, preferably in writing. From here, you must ask your employer which medical provider you should attend to receive further examination.
In conclusion, you require the services of a skilled Washington, D.C. workplace accident lawyer before filing any kind of claim. So please schedule your free initial consultation with us at Simeone & Miller, LLP today.