When you’re injured in a car accident, it’s frustrating and annoying. It can also be painful and financially burdensome.
Most people associate workers’ compensation with injuries on the job, but if you were driving for your job when you had a car accident, workers’ compensation would apply. It’s important to try all legal avenues to recover for your injuries and filing a workers’ compensation claim doesn’t prohibit you from filing any other claims against the negligent driver who caused your injuries.
When Workers’ Compensation Applies
You are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured while working. This even applies when you’re in the car if your trip is work related. Examples include:
- Delivering items to the office.
- Picking up office supplies.
- Driving to get office lunch.
When driving is part of your job, it’s easier to apply for workers’ compensation. If you’re a truck driver or delivery driver and you’re injured in an accident, you would most likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Even if the accident was your fault, you can still receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover your lost wages and medical expenses.
Getting Damages
Workers’ compensation only allows you to collect damages for lost wages and medical bills. There are other damages you should try to recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
While workers’ compensation won’t cover these costs, a civil claim against the negligent driver will. That’s why it’s important to use a trusted personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles to help you recover the maximum amount, so you don’t have to pay a dime to get better.
To help you maximize your recovery, we will file both a workers’ compensation claim and a civil claim. Because both claims cover different damages, this will help you get back on your feet without worrying about how you’re going to pay your recurring bills as well as your medical bills.
Don’t settle at the first offer from the insurance company. They are looking out for themselves, not for you. When you work with us, we’ll create an accurate estimate of your future costs, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get better. Let us deal with the legal work while you worry about getting back to the life you love.
Contact Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Understanding the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a civil claim for a car accident can help you ensure you get all the damages you need to make a full and complete recovery. Choosing a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles should not be difficult. You deserve a trusted team to protect your rights. Without the right advocate by your side guiding you along the way, you could find yourself in a worse situation. Steinberg Injury Lawyers is ready to help you today.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation evaluation of your case to see how we can help you heal, move forward and get back on your feet.