Different types of insurance apply in different circumstances. Occasionally, there are situations in which multiple different types of insurance or compensation could be available. For example, an individual injured in a car crash may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability policy. They may even have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Some crash scenarios are not as straightforward. A person injured in the crash may have been on the clock. They may then wonder whether they make qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Are car crash injuries eligible for workers’ compensation coverage?
Some crashes may make workers eligible
Timing is a main consideration when evaluating whether an injured employee has grounds for a worker’s compensation claim or not. If a worker gets hurt in a crash on their way to work in the morning, they likely do not qualify for workers’ compensation.
Coverage only applies to on-the-job injuries or medical conditions that people develop because of their employment. Getting hurt during a commute is related to employment, but the car crash is not technically a job-related incident.
However, if the collision occurs after the employee clocks in because they have to travel to a client’s house or make a bank deposit for their employer, then workers’ compensation might apply. Many professionals, including those who only drive occasionally, are at risk of an on-the-job crash. Collisions are a leading cause of lost time incidents and workplace fatalities.
Why might employees seek workers’ compensation?
Considering that there are often other compensation options available after a crash, workers’ compensation may not be someone’s first thought after a wreck. However, there are actually numerous benefits associated with filing a workers’ compensation claim versus a lawsuit or liability insurance claim.
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage. Even if the employee was technically at fault for the crash, they could still be eligible for medical benefits and disability pay. Additionally, there are no policy limits on the medical coverage available through workers’ compensation.
The employee does not have to worry about needing more treatment than insurance can cover, as might be the case during a standard car insurance claim. Additionally, there are no other patient responsibility costs that apply in a workers’ compensation claim scenario.
Professionals injured in an on-the-job motor vehicle collision may need help handling workers’ compensation paperwork and looking at their other options for compensation as well. Securing appropriate guidance and support to make it easier for injured employees to limit their losses after a work-related incident.