What is the most common cause of vehicle crashes for employees?

Many causes of employee vehicle crashes are similar to those experienced by the general public, stemming from common driving hazards and human error.

These include:

• Distracted driving. Cell phone use, eating, grooming, or interacting with passengers can divert attention from the road, especially when using them to navigate through unfamiliar areas.
• Reckless driving. Speeding, tailgating, brake-checking, and frequent lane changes increase the risk of accidents.
• Fatigue. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, leading to slower reaction times and decreased awareness. This is especially a concern for commercial truckers who travel long distances.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination while operating a vehicle. Because of this, employers may require employee drug testing after vehicle crashes.
• Adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and natural disasters like mudslides and hurricanes can make roads extremely hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
• Poor vehicle maintenance. Worn tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning lights can contribute to crashes.

Additionally, some factors are unique to work-related driving and can increase the risk of accidents for employees, including:

• Time pressure. Tight deadlines or unrealistic schedules can lead to speeding and aggressive driving.
• Unfamiliarity with routes. Employees driving in unfamiliar areas may become lost or distracted, increasing the risk of errors.
• Long hours and irregular shifts. Fatigue is a significant concern for employees who work long hours or have irregular schedules.
• Improperly loaded trucks. Overloaded or imbalanced cargo can make a truck difficult to control and increase the risk of rollovers or jackknifing.
• Multiple tasks. Employees may be required to multitask, such as managing deliveries or handling customer calls while driving, which can lead to distractions and accidents.

Understanding these unique risks is crucial for employers to develop effective safety programs and for employees to prioritize safe driving practices while on the job.

What workers’ compensation benefits can I get after a work-related car accident?

If you’re injured in a car accident in the course of your employment, then you or your family members may be eligible for the following types of workers’ compensation benefits:

• Medical benefits. Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatments related to your work-related injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Vocational rehab benefits. In cases where your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services to help with job retraining so you can work in a different job that accommodates your limitations.
• Travel expenses to and from treatment. Workers’ comp also provides reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses incurred while traveling to and from medical appointments related to your work injury.
• Wage loss benefits. If you suffer a serious injury, like a broken bone, spinal cord injury, or brain injury, that prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits while you recover, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• Death benefits. If a worker dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the worker’s dependents, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.

It’s worth noting that workers’ compensation only covers economic damages. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not offered as part of a workers’ compensation settlement. To recover those damages, you would have to file a negligence claim against the at-fault driver.

What steps should I take after a car accident while driving for work?

If you were involved in a crash while driving for work, your initial concern might be your employer’s reaction and how it might impact your job. While this concern is understandable, it’s critical to first focus on taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and others.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Call the police. First, you should call the police so there will be an accident report of the incident, as this document will be necessary to obtain workers’ compensation benefits later on.
2. Exchange information. If you and the other party are not seriously injured, exchange personal contact and insurance information with the other parties involved.
3. Gather evidence. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. These photos can serve as crucial evidence for your workers’ compensation claim and any potential legal proceedings. Additionally, collect the names, contact information, and statements of any witnesses.
4. Get medical care. Always seek medical attention immediately upon leaving the scene, even if you don’t initially feel injured. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and waiting to seek treatment can not only compromise your health but also make it more difficult to tie your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for a successful workers’ compensation claim.
5. Report the accident to your employer. Once you’ve received initial treatment for your injuries, report the accident to your employer. This must be done in writing within 30 days in most cases, but the sooner you do it, the better. Failing to report your injuries in a timely manner could cause your claim to be denied.
6. Follow employer guidelines. You may be asked to visit a company-approved doctor and submit to drug and alcohol testing. Make sure you comply with and follow your company’s guidelines so you don’t give them a reason to deny your claim.
7. File a claim. To officially apply for workers’ comp benefits, you’ll need to fill out and submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). This must be done within 2 years of your injury, but should ideally be done as soon as possible.

If your workers’ comp claim is ultimately denied or if you believe you have a case against the at-fault driver, consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your rights.

Injured in a car accident at work in Charlotte? We can help!

If you’ve been involved in a work-related accident that led to serious or catastrophic injuries, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal assistance to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. The team at Wilder Pantazis Law Group has more than 85 years of combined experience in handling both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.

Using our extensive legal knowledge, we can help navigate the complexities of your case and advocate on your behalf with the at-fault driver’s insurer and your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company to maximize your compensation.