Work-related accidents can happen in various settings. Many employees wonder if they are eligible for workers’ compensation if they are involved in an accident while driving to work.
The answer to this question can sometimes be complicated. Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida will weigh several factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident, to determine your available options.
Common Misconceptions about Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a crucial benefit that provides financial support and medical coverage to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their work. However, several misconceptions surrounding workers’ compensation can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
Many people believe that workers’ compensation only covers accidents that occur within the workplace itself. This is only sometimes true.
Workers’ compensation also applies to injuries sustained while performing work-related tasks outside of the physical workplace. With that being said, in most cases, being involved in a car crash while driving to work does not qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. However, our work injury attorney can help you better understand exceptions to this rule.
When You Can Receive Workers’ Compensation For Work-Related Crashes
Certain exceptions allow you to receive benefits even if you were driving to work when an accident occurred. While general commuting is typically not covered by workers’ compensation, there are specific circumstances where you may be eligible.
One such exception is if your job requires you to travel as part of your regular duties. For example, if you are a salesperson who frequently drives from one client location to another, any accidents during these work-related travels would likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Another exception is if your employer provides transportation or compensates you for using your personal vehicle for work purposes. If this is the case and an accident occurs while driving on behalf of your employer, then you may qualify for workers’ compensation.
Additionally, if you have no fixed place of employment and regularly use your own vehicle throughout the day as part of your job responsibilities, such as delivering goods or making service calls, any accidents that happen during these activities would likely be considered work-related and could make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Filing a Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, the first step is to report the accident immediately to your employer. Ensure you provide them with all necessary details, such as the incident’s time, date, and location. It’s crucial to report your accident immediately, as there are strict timelines for filing a claim.
Next, seek medical attention immediately. Properly documenting your injuries is vital when building your claim later. After seeking medical care, call our workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida. Our team will assist in gathering evidence and accurately filling out all necessary paperwork.
Once everything is properly documented and filled out correctly, our work injury attorney will submit your completed claim form and any supporting documents. Be sure to keep copies of everything for your records.
Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Florida’s workers’ compensation laws provide various benefits to qualified employees who suffer work-related injuries while driving to work. The benefits aim to help injured workers recover and return to employment. The specific benefits available under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws include:
Medical Benefits
- Coverage for all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Payment for medical treatments, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation services, and other medically necessary services.
Income Benefits
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: Compensation for lost wages if the injured worker is unable to work during the recovery period.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: Partial wage replacement if the employee can work at a reduced capacity or with restrictions.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: Compensation for workers who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to return to any gainful employment.
Impairment Benefits
You can receive compensation for permanent impairments resulting from the work-related injury. A qualified medical professional assesses the severity of the impairment.
Vocational Rehabilitation
You can receive coverage for services to help injured workers return to suitable employment, including job training, placement assistance, and education.
Mileage Reimbursement
You can receive compensation for travel expenses related to medical appointments or vocational rehabilitation services.
Prescription Medications
You can receive coverage for prescription medications necessary for treating work-related injuries.
Death Benefits
If a work-related injury to death, surviving dependents may receive death benefits, including funeral and burial expenses, as well as financial support.
Our work injury attorney can help you gather evidence and submit your claim for benefits. Additionally, we will determine whether a third-party car accident claim can be filed and take the appropriate legal actions to protect your rights.
Call Our Work Injury Attorney Now
At Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., we represent injured workers and help them obtain their deserved benefits. Our decades of experience and understanding of workers’ compensation law make us a reliable source for those facing workplace injuries.
We believe everyone has the right to access justice and fair compensation, so we strive to educate and inform our clients about their rights and legal options. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida to schedule a consultation if you have been injured at work.