Thousands of Georgians drive as part of their jobs every day – public transit drivers, delivery drivers, and many others whose jobs require countless hours on the road. Employers go to great lengths to encourage safety, but unfortunately, accidents can and do still happen. If you have been injured in a car accident at work, it’s important to understand your options.
The personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd work with injured people in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia. We can help you understand your options and get the compensation you need to put your life back together. If you’re injured and overwhelmed, give us a call at 888-474-9616 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys.
Do You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
If you are injured while on the job, you can probably file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that is designed to replace your lost income if you are injured and unable to work.
As a result, the critical question is whether you were injured while in the course of your employment. Certain situations will not be covered, such as if your accident occurred while you were on your way to or from work. On the other hand, driving to make a delivery to a customer would likely be covered. Ultimately, whether or not your accident will be covered by workers’ compensation depends on your particular situation.
Understanding What Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation
It is also important to understand what is covered by workers’ compensation and what is not. As mentioned above, workers’ compensation is intended to replace your lost income, but it will only cover up to two-thirds of your weekly income. It will also cover your medical expenses and provides coverage in the event that you are partially or totally disabled. That said, workers’ compensation will not cover your pain and suffering, any uncovered lost income, and any other losses you may have suffered.
Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?
Workers’ compensation is “no-fault” coverage that pays benefits quickly. This means that you do not need to prove that the other driver was at fault, and you should begin receiving benefits within a couple of weeks. As discussed, however, workers’ compensation may not cover all of your losses or you may not qualify. In that case, your only option may be to file a personal injury claim.
It’s important to note that if you pursue a personal injury claim, you cannot later decide to file for workers’ compensation. Similarly, filing for workers’ compensation means that you surrender your right to pursue a personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you decide which option makes the most sense for you.
Injured in a Car Accident at Work? Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys at Slappey & Sadd
At Slappey & Sadd, we handle almost every type of personal injury case, including both workers’ compensation and car accident cases. If you’ve been injured, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Let us help you with the challenges you’re facing – call us at 888-474-9616 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation today.