There are many jobs out there that require driving as part of the job responsibilities, whether it be a company car or your personal vehicle. What happens if you're involved in a car accident while in a work vehicle? Will you be compensated for your losses, such as medical costs and time off work in New Jersey? These are all good questions that we will address below.
Accidents involving a work vehicle can be complicated, so we advise you to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer that specializes in New Jersey car accidents and these types of cases, specifically.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is a reputable personal injury law firm based in New Jersey. Our team is dedicated to getting our clients the compensation they deserve. Call us immediately if you've been in an accident and are injured, especially if you were driving a work vehicle.
What Is Considered a "Work Vehicle?"
The term "work vehicle" describes a vehicle used by drivers for their jobs. An example of a work vehicle would be a box truck that a delivery driver uses at a logistics and delivery company. Or, an executive may drive a company car that is provided to them to use while working and during their personal time. Both would be considered a "work vehicle".
Who is Liable When A Car Accident Occurs in a Work Vehicle?
If you are an employee in New Jersey and you are involved in an auto accident while driving a work vehicle, the insurance company that covers your employer's vehicles will likely pay for losses, such as your medical expenses.
However, there are some instances when this isn't the case. The employer is not held responsible if the driver was an employee who was on personal business; or if the company was unaware that the driver was engaging in criminal behavior, such as drinking and driving.
In cases where a company failed to perform routine maintenance on the vehicles or did not properly train or run a background check on their drivers, the company could be held liable for any injuries and accidents that occur because of these actions.
For specific answers, it's important to consult with a lawyer to determine who is liable in your specific case.
What Damages Can Be Recovered For A Work Vehicle Accident in New Jersey?
The New Jersey workers' compensation system will cover me that you were injured while operating a work vehicle for business purposes, such as when making a delivery or going to a meeting.
If someone is injured in an accident while driving a work vehicle, but running a personal errand or someone unrelated to their job, workers comp may not cover losses, medical or related expenses. Unless you're doing work-related activities while driving a personal vehicle or one that your employer has assigned to you, you will not be covered. Furthermore, workers comp does not cover accidents that happen on the way to or from work.
Some of the benefits that an injured worker can file a workers comp claim for:
- Medical costs: Transportation to and from medical appointments, prescription drugs, surgical procedures, rehabilitation equipment, and medical care.
- Permanent disability: If your injury renders you permanently disabled and unable to work.
- Temporary disability: If your injury leaves you temporarily unable to work, you can receive two-thirds of your typical weekly pay.
- Death Benefits: In the event of a fatal work-related injury, the worker's dependents are eligible to apply for death benefits to cover a variety of costs and losses.
Retain Legal Representation from Brandon J. Broderick in New Jersey
Consult a lawyer if you have suffered injuries in a work vehicle accident while working. Although filing a claim may seem simple, it doesn't always mean you will be compensated fairly. The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law work to ensure our clients get the benefits they are entitled to.
Please contact us immediately if you've been in an accident and require legal assistance.