Many employees drive as part of their job. You might use a company car, or you might drive your own vehicle to run errands for work. But accidents can happen, and workers need to know what this means for their safety, health, and rights. Many people do not realize that work-related car accidents are very common, and they can affect employees in serious ways.
Whether you are in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., it is important to understand how these accidents are handled and what protections you may have.
When Accidents Count as “Work-Related”
An accident is considered work-related when you are driving for your job. This can include:
- Delivering items
- Going to see a customer
- Running errands for the company
- Carrying equipment or helping your team
If you are hurt during one of these tasks, the accident is usually considered part of your job, and certain protections apply to you. You can also check out our workers’ compensation page for information related to these types of situations.
When Accidents Are Not Job-Related
Some accidents are not considered work-related. These include:
- Driving to or from work
- Using your car for personal reasons
- Driving while under the influence
- Breaking company safety rules
In these situations, your personal car insurance will usually cover the costs. Your employer will normally not be held responsible unless they did something unsafe, such as failing to train you properly or ignoring safety problems.
Why Employees Should Be Aware
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of worker injuries in the United States. Thousands of employees are hurt every year while driving for their jobs. These injuries can cause:
- Medical bills
- Lost time from work
- Long-term pain or health problems
- Stress about how to pay for repairs and medical care
Many accidents occur because of factors workers cannot control, such as bad weather, poorly maintained vehicles, or rushed schedules. This is why it is important for employees to understand their rights before something goes wrong.
Workers’ Compensation and Your Rights
If you are injured while driving for work, you can usually receive workers’ compensation. This helps cover:
- Medical treatment
- Therapy or rehabilitation
- Part of your lost wages
Workers’ compensation is available even if the accident was partly your fault. It does not pay for pain and suffering, but you may still be able to file a claim against another driver if they caused the crash.
If you were driving your own car, workers’ compensation still covers your injury. But the damage to your car has to be covered by your own insurance.
Protecting Yourself on the Road
Employees can stay safer by:
- Reporting vehicle problems
- Taking breaks when tired
- Avoiding distractions
- Asking for extra time when routes are long or unfamiliar
Your safety is more important than rushing or meeting unrealistic deadlines. It is okay to speak up if you feel unsafe.
Why This Matters for Employees
Understanding how liability works helps protect you. After a work-related accident, you deserve to know:
- Who pays for your medical care
- How much wage support you can receive while you heal
- What insurance covers
- What your legal rights are
If an accident has affected your health or your ability to work, you do not have to handle it alone. Reach out to the Skinner Brothers through our contact page, and our team will help you understand your rights and options.