What happens if an individual is involved in a car accident while on the job in Florida?
Palmetto Estates, FL—Many jobs today require individuals to use company vehicles to make deliveries, visit different locations to conduct inspections, or transport people from one destination to the next. Those individuals who spend a substantial portion of their work shift on the road are at a greater risk of engaging in a motor vehicle accident.
But what happens when an accident occurs, and an employee suffers injuries? Who covers the cost of the accident, and most importantly, how will the employee obtain compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and more?
If an employee is injured while on the job, whether they were driving to their next destination or en route to their employer’s primary place of business, they should be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits are afforded to employees who suffer an injury or illness while on the job. Most workers are entitled to get their medical care paid for so as long as it is rendered by an authorized physician, and they may also be entitled to collect wage replacement benefits.
How are wage replacement benefits issued?
If an employee qualifies for wage replacement benefits, they will usually receive this in the form of a check on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The amount they will be paid depends on the salary they were earning prior to the accident as well as how severe their injuries are. If an individual is able to return to work on light duty, their wage replacement benefits will likely be less than someone who is unable to return to work at all.
What about the vehicle damage? Who pays for this?
Because the accident involved a company vehicle, the individual’s employer will likely file a claim through their own carrier or the other driver’s insurance company if they were liable for causing the accident.
Can an injured employer collect compensation from the auto insurer as well?
It depends. Usually, when an employee suffers an on-the-job injury in Florida, they are entitled to collect benefits from their employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier. However, if their injuries are severe, they will want to speak with a Palmetto Estates, Florida workers’ comp lawyer regarding this. An attorney will be able to determine all the sources from which compensation can be recovered from.
Connect with a Palmetto Estates, FL workers’ compensation attorney today
If someone was injured in a car accident and they were on the clock at the time, they can contact Mario Trespalacios P.A. to discuss their case with a reputable Palmetto Estates work injury attorney. The lawyers at Mario Trespalacios P.A. will help an individual understand their rights and determine what insurance companies are liable for providing them with compensation for their injuries and inability to work.
Mario Trespalacios P.A. can be contacted at:
9495 SW 72 Street, Suite B-275
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: 305-261-5800
Website: www.mtpalegal.com