When Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Colorado Car Accident?

 Posted on September 23, 2020 in Workplace Injury

Any time you are traveling on the road, you run the risk of being involved in a car accident, and if your job requires you to drive on a regular basis, you may be at greater risk. If you are injured in a car accident while on the job, you may fear that your only options for compensation are a claim through your car or health insurance provider, or a personal injury lawsuit against another driver. Fortunately, this is usually not the case, as you can likely obtain recovery through your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

Employees at Risk of Vehicle Collision Injuries 

Many employees must regularly drive as part of their job responsibilities. Commercial truck and bus drivers may spend the most amount of time on the road, but delivery drivers, postal workers, and first responders including police officers, firefighters, and EMTs all drive frequently as well. The same may be true for employees of any business that provides a traveling service, as well as employees who simply run occasional work-related errands. Any employee who is injured in a car accident during the course of his or her workday may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, whether the accident was the fault of another driver or the employee him or herself.

Pursuing Compensation for Work-Related Car Crash Injuries

If you are injured in an on-the-job car wreck, it is important to notify your employer as soon as possible and preserve documentation of your injuries and medical expenses to submit a claim for adequate compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover any and all of your medical expenses without limit. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, workers’ compensation can also cover lost wages at a rate of two-thirds of your previous weekly income, but there is a limit on the amount you may receive per week in Colorado. In cases of temporary total disability or permanent partial disability, there is a limit on the total amount as well.

If your injuries are severe, your expenses are high, and you are experiencing pain and suffering due to your injuries, you may choose to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In this case, you should work with a skilled attorney to identify potential at-fault parties other than your employer and gather evidence to strengthen your claim against them.

Contact a Larimer County Workers’ Compensation Attorney

On-the-job injuries can affect your work and your entire life, and at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we want to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover properly and remain financially stable. We have proven experience with both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Contact our diligent and dedicated Fort Collins personal injury lawyer today at 970-225-2190 to request a free consultation.

Source:

https://cdle.colorado.gov/sites/cdle/files/WC_ACT_2020_linked_0.pdf