Vehicle-related accidents in the workplace can cause serious injuries, whether you were operating machinery, driving a company vehicle, or involved in a delivery. If you’ve been injured in a work-related vehicle accident, it’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure you receive workers’ compensation benefits. Knowing what to do immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and get you the compensation you need.
Common Causes of Vehicle-Related Accidents at Work
Work-related vehicle accidents can occur in many industries, from construction sites to delivery services. Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Using a phone or other devices while driving.
- Fatigue: Driving while overly tired can impair judgment and reaction time.
- Unsafe equipment: Poorly maintained vehicles or machinery can lead to accidents.
- Workplace hazards: Unsafe working conditions, such as poorly marked roads or obstructed views, can contribute to accidents.
Regardless of the cause, if your vehicle-related accident occurred while you were working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Vehicle-Related Accident
If you’ve been involved in a vehicle-related accident at work, taking immediate action is important to protect both your health and your rights. Follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority should be to get medical treatment. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, some conditions may not present symptoms right away. A healthcare professional can properly assess your injuries and begin documenting them, which will be essential for your workers’ compensation claim.
2. Report the Accident to Your Employer
After seeking medical care, report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Be sure to provide details about how the accident occurred, where it happened, and any factors that contributed to it. It’s important to report the incident within the required time frame to avoid complications with your workers’ compensation claim.
3. Document the Accident
If possible, gather as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask for statements. This documentation will be helpful when filing your workers’ compensation claim.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once you’ve reported the accident to your employer, you need to file an official workers’ compensation claim. This involves completing forms that detail the circumstances of the accident, the injuries you’ve sustained, and any medical treatments you’ve received. Be thorough when completing the forms, and include all relevant documentation, such as medical records and accident reports.
How PLBH Can Help You After a Vehicle-Related Accident
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, especially after a vehicle-related accident. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney from PLBH on your side can make all the difference. Our attorneys can help by:
- Assisting you in filing the necessary paperwork
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim
- Representing you in any disputes with your employer or insurance company
Working with an attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, including coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available After a Vehicle-Related Accident
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be entitled to several benefits, which can include:
- Medical treatment: Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of all necessary treatments related to your injury, including hospital visits, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Temporary disability benefits: If you are unable to work temporarily due to your injuries, you may receive compensation to help cover lost wages.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may assist with job retraining.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
It’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to be denied, especially in vehicle-related accidents where there may be questions about fault or circumstances. If your claim is denied, don’t give up. PLBH can help you appeal the decision and present additional evidence to support your case.
Contact PLBH for Help with Your Claim
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle-related accident at work, PLBH is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the workers’ compensation process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (800) 435-7542 today to schedule a consultation.