When Georgia workers use their personal vehicles for work-related tasks, they might be unsure about their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. On-the-job car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and injuries might have financial consequences such as medical expenses and lost income. A victim of such a car accident might even suffer injuries that cause permanent disabilities.
For these reasons, workers who are required to use personal vehicles for work-related trips are advised to get clarity on these issues before proceeding to do so. Workers’ compensation typically covers workers who travel in to and from work in company-owned vehicles, except when they are required to use personal vehicles. Job-related traveling can include anything from sales, deliveries and even driving to get the boss’s lunch or coffee.
Any worker who suffers injuries in an on-the-job car accident will likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These will include compensation to cover medical expenses along with a percentage of lost wages. However, benefits will only be paid if the employer reports the incident and files a claim with the insurance provider within the required limit.
When third parties with no connection to the employers of the injured workers cause on-the-job car accidents, additional compensation might be available through the Georgia civil justice system. An attorney with experience in both workers’ compensation and personal injury can assess the circumstances to determine whether the victim also has a viable civil claim. If such a claim is successful, the court might enter a monetary judgment that also covers pain and suffering along with future medical expenses and other documented financial damages.