I was injured by a driver on the job. What should I do next? If you suffered injuries from a car accident while on the job, you likely feel overwhelmed with possible catastrophic injuries as well as the financial burden of medical bills and potentially remaining unable to return to work. Deciding what to do next is often confusing. Whether you have a driving job or are out running errands for your employer, you must know your legal rights to recover compensation for injuries you sustained while completing your job duties. A driving accident while performing job duties may entitle you to recover compensation for damages in a personal injury claim. You could also be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits in these cases. If you were in an accident and would like to begin your claim, contact Edwards Injury Law.
The Law Could Consider a Car Crash as Work-Related in the Following Scenarios
- The team member is making work-related deliveries.
- They were driving for other work-related purposes.
- The worker was running errands at a supervisor’s request.
- The employee was transporting other team members for work-related purposes.
- Traveling is a requirement of the team members’ regular job duties.
When a worker sustains injuries in a crash during any of the above, workers’ compensation laws in this state may entitle them to collect benefits. However, this is not the complete list of reasons a worker may get in an accident. For more detailed information, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Edwards Injury Law.
Personal Injury Claim Against the Third-Party Driver
When a negligent third-party motorist is involved, the injured civil law would also entitle the team member to commence an action for a personal injury lawsuit in the civil court against that person for their portion of the liability. A successful personal injury civil claim could lead to recovering compensation to cover:
- Medical bills and future medical costs that relate to the accident.
- Payment to cover the missing time from work and pay and the future earning potential.
- Mental anguish, such as anxiety, pain, and suffering, related to the accident and injuries.
- Compensation for losing the enjoyment of life and inconvenience.
An experienced lawyer from Edwards Injury Law can review your case and make a sound determination of potential settlement amounts. We can also investigate to find the evidence needed to establish liability.
Can Multiple Parties be At Fault in an Auto Accident?
Two or more parties could be at-fault for a car accident in this state. Every driver in North Carolina must have a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages in a car crash. Unfortunately, that does not mean that every driver behind the wheel complies with the law. A diligent lawyer could handle insurance company communications and negotiations to get a fair settlement if the drivers have coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney can help a victim take the case to civil claims court when a negligent driver is on the roadway without automobile insurance.
Insurance Company Communication
The insurance companies that represent negligent drivers are always the best place to begin for damage recovery. However, the representatives will often use the plaintiffs’ words against them to assert they were partially liable for the crash. Insurance representatives also offer meager amounts and try to settle quickly. A qualified personal injury attorney understands how the system works and could handle insurance company communication and negotiations on the plaintiff’s behalf.
The Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. That means that if other third-party drivers share liability for the crash, they pay their portion of the damages. However, the state is one of the few who still follow the contributory negligence rule. If the court finds the plaintiff even slightly at fault for the collision, the law bars them from recovering any compensation. Per the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 1. Civil Procedure § 1-139, it is essential to note that if the defendant in an injury claim asserts contributory negligence, the burden of proof lies entirely upon them.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help
If you were working and suffered injuries and losses in a car accident, you could be eligible to collect workers’ compensation. Additionally, the law may entitle you to file a civil claim to collect payment for damages. An experienced lawyer can help you through the complex workers’ compensation claim for benefits process and help you understand all of your legal options. For questions on work-related car accidents and collisions involving more than one motorist, contact a knowledgeable attorney at Edwards Injury Law to schedule a consultation.
Related
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
Distracted Driving Accidents
Aggressive Driving Accidents
Back Injuries
Broken Bones & Fractures
Internal Injuries
Limb Loss & Amputation
Spinal Cord Injuries