Workplace accidents involving motor vehicles can be highly dangerous for employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 50,000 job-related transportation incidents annually that cause injuries.
Employees who experience injuries due to on-the-job collisions can apply for benefits under workers’ compensation and receive financial support during recovery.
What injuries can occur?
Injuries from work-related motor vehicle accidents can cause serious health concerns, including TBIs, spinal trauma and broken bones. These injuries lead to physical pain, impairment and emotional distress. Medical expenses and missed work often cause additional hardship.
Various incidents qualify as workplace vehicle accidents. These can range from single-vehicle collisions to incidents that harm pedestrians. Most vehicular crashes, including job-related ones, occur on roadways.
Driver distraction and drowsy driving can contribute to these accidents. In some cases, employers are liable due to inadequate training or maintenance. Third parties can also be at fault for workplace motor vehicle accidents.
What are the benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical bills and lost wages. Injured workers can receive help paying for:
- Hospital stays
- Medical procedures
- Medications
- Rehabilitation services
Additionally, if the injury results in an inability to work, workers’ compensation provides a portion of the employee’s lost income. This can help ease the financial strain during the recovery period. It also ensures that employees can focus on healing without the added stress of medical costs and lost earnings.
Who is eligible?
Workers’ compensation covers employees injured while performing job-related duties. In no-fault states like New Jersey, workers’ compensation is accessible to employees even when they are responsible for an accident. This includes driving-related incidents involving company vehicles or personal vehicles used for work. However, injuries from commuting are generally not eligible for coverage.
Most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation. Independent contractors and freelance workers typically are not. Additionally, there are clear restrictions if the accident involved gross negligence or prohibited actions, such as driving under the influence.
Work-related motor vehicle accidents can harm employees across many industries. Understanding the positive impact of workers’ compensation benefits is important for New Jersey workers.