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When you think of work injuries, vehicle accidents may not be at the top of your list of how they happen. However, people sustain vehicle accident injuries while performing job-related duties all the time. Sometimes, driving is part of their main job duty, but that is not always the case. For example, an office worker running errands for the boss who gets into an accident has still technically been hurt “on the job.” Contact a Phoenix workers compensation lawyer from Crossman Law Offices, P.C. to help you will all your legal needs in a work injury case.
But, will you be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining a vehicle accident injury while working?
Call Crossman Law Offices, P.C. at (602) 248-0380 for a free consultation today.
A work-related car accident refers to any motor vehicle accident that occurs while an employee is performing their job duties. This can happen to employees who regularly operate motorized vehicles as part of their job, such as delivery drivers or salespeople, as well as employees who might not usually drive for work, such as office workers running errands for their employer.
The key factor that determines whether a car accident is work-related is whether the employee was performing duties related to their employment when the crash happened. In Arizona, this distinction is critical for determining eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
Arizona’s workers’ comp system is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured while performing their job duties. Under Arizona law, almost all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured in a car accident while on the job, you may be entitled to benefits such as medical coverage, lost wage compensation, and disability benefits.
To qualify for workers’ comp monetary benefits after a work-related car accident, you must meet certain criteria:
The accident must have occurred while performing job-related duties. This means you must have been driving for a work-related purpose, such as making a delivery, traveling to a work meeting, or running errands for your boss.
You must be classified as an employee. Independent contractors are usually not covered by workers’ compensation, though there are some exceptions.
For some employees, driving is a regular part of the job. This includes professions such as:
Delivery drivers. Individuals who transport goods and services for businesses, whether for local companies or larger operations, are on the road frequently.
Sales representatives. Traveling salespeople who meet with clients and customers as part of their job can be involved in car accidents while carrying out their duties.
Commercial truck drivers. These drivers spend extensive amounts of time on the road, making them particularly susceptible to vehicle accidents.
If you regularly drive as part of your job duties, and you are injured in a vehicle accident, your injury will likely be considered work-related. However, it is essential to file your workers’ compensation claim promptly to ensure that you receive benefits for your injuries. Arizona has specific timelines and procedures for filing these claims, so working with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can be vital.
You do not have to be a professional driver to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after a work-related car accident. Many employees who do not usually drive for work can still be covered under Arizona’s workers’ compensation laws if they are involved in an accident while performing job-related tasks. Examples of situations where workers’ compensation might apply include:
An office worker running errands for their employer.
A teacher driving between different school locations for meetings.
A nurse transporting medical supplies to a remote facility.
In these cases, the employee may not have expected to be driving as part of their job, but because they were performing a work-related task, any injuries sustained in the accident may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
While Arizona’s workers’ compensation system is broad, there are certain situations where coverage may not apply to car accident injuries. Some exceptions include:
Commuting to and from work. In most cases, injuries sustained during your regular commute are not covered by workers’ compensation. This is known as the “going and coming rule.” However, there may be exceptions if you were performing work-related tasks during your commute, such as picking up supplies or running an errand for your employer.
Personal errands. If you were running a personal errand, unrelated to your job, when the accident occurred, you might not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Substance abuse or reckless behavior. If the accident occurred because you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaged in reckless driving, your claim for workers’ compensation benefits may be denied.
If you are injured in a work-related car accident, it is important to take specific steps to protect your rights:
Seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority, so be sure to get medical care for any injuries sustained in the accident.
Report the accident to your employer. You must notify your employer about the accident as soon as possible, as delays in reporting can jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim.
Document the accident. Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, contact information for witnesses, and a copy of the police report.
File a workers’ compensation claim. In Arizona, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within one year of the injury, though it is always best to file sooner to avoid complications.
Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Navigating the claims process can be challenging, especially when determining if your accident qualifies as work-related. An experienced Arizona work injury attorney can help you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact the work injury attorneys at Crossman Law Offices, P.C. today to get the justice you deserve.