Work Related Motor vehicle Accident Lawyer
Have you ever wondered what happened if you were in an automobile or truck accident during work related travel?
Many jobs require employees to travel. This can be travel from one job site to another or driving throughout the workday for errands, to pick up products, or visits to off-site customers or clients. In addition, social workers, nurses, and other medical professionals may accompany patients and clients on daily activities. What many employees do not realize as they go about their daily travel routine, is an injury from a motor vehicle accident that occurs during any of these trips should be covered by workers’ compensation.
Severity of Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accident
A motorized vehicle accident can result in serious injuries. Even if traveling for work, the first step after an accident is ensuring the safety of any passengers, occupants of the other vehicle, and yourself. Medical attention should be the initial focus after an accident. Common motor vehicle injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lower back pain
- Broke bones and fractures
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Other head injuries, and
- Lacerations from airbags or impact.
Separating Work Related Travel from Personal Trips
One of the major questions for a workers’ compensation claim is whether the injury occurred during a work related activity. Over the years, New Jersey courts and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development have defined a wide range of activities and incidents that are considered job-related. This determination is easy when an employee slips in a warehouse or injures his back lifting a patient at the hospital.
However, there are less clear situations when motorized vehicles are involved and the employee is away from the usual place of business. What if a supervisor needs an errand done before the day begins? What if you pick up a work product or visit a client on your way home? A great way to clarify if your situation qualifies for workers’ compensation in New Jersey is to speak with a competent lawyer.
Workers Compensation and Personal Injury
Employees may be hesitant to contact the police or an employer after a work-related motor vehicle accident. This is particularly true if the employee was at fault for the accident. It is possible that the employee will face personal injury claims related to the accident. However, assigning fault for the accident is separate from a determination regarding workers’ compensation.
When an employee is involved in a job-related car or truck accident, fault is rarely considered for purposes of workers’ compensation. Injuries the employee sustains that may require medical attention or time off work are likely to be covered under New Jersey law, but as with any workers’ compensation a claim having proper documentation of the accident is necessary.
Qualified Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The Law Office of Albert J. Talone has represented many clients involved in work-related motor vehicle accidents. This has included all manner of accident and severity of injury. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident during work travel, but your employer or an insurance provider is denying you benefits for workers’ compensation, you may need to file a claim. Contact our office at (856)-234-4023 for a free, confidential consultation.