If you have recently been injured in a car accident, regardless of whether that accident was partially your fault, totally your fault, or not your fault at all, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options. Depending upon the unique circumstances that led up to your accident, you may be in a strong position to seek one or more kinds of compensation at this time. Additionally, allowing an attorney to speak with insurance representatives on your behalf will better ensure that any insurance settlement that you’re offered is both fairly valued and paid to you promptly.
If Your Accident Was Work-Related
As a construction accident lawyer in New Jersey from a firm like Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can explain, a work injury doesn’t always happen on the work site. If you were traveling for work-related reasons when your collision occurred, you may be entitled to seek workers’ compensation benefits, even if the accident was totally your fault.
How is this possible? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that, generally speaking, even when work-related harm can be 100 percent attributed to the injury victim, an employee eligible for workers’ compensation coverage remains entitled to benefits.
If you are properly classified as an independent contractor or you work for a particularly small company, you may not be entitled to these benefits. However, if you are a part-time or full-time employee (or have been incorrectly classified as an independent contractor), you are entitled to benefits if you suffer work-related injuries or illness.
The notable exceptions to this overarching rule involve accidents caused by workers who were intoxicated or otherwise impaired while driving, workers who instigated road rage incidents as a lead-up to their crashes, and workers who crashed their vehicles on purpose.
Note that even if you do not drive as part of your occupational duties, you may still be entitled to benefits at this time. As long as you were engaged in work-related activities (beyond a traditional commute to or from work) at the time of your crash, you should be able to file a successful claim with an attorney’s assistance.
For example, if your boss asked you to run an errand on your way to work or you were traveling to a work-related function at the time of your accident, your crash will likely be considered “work-related.” A lawyer experienced in workers’ compensation matters will be able to clarify your legal status and options during a risk-free consultation. If you have not scheduled a consultation with a local attorney yet, it may significantly benefit you to do so now.
