Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Car Accident While at Work?

Workers’ compensation can cover a car accident that happens while at work. To qualify for benefits, you must have been hurt while performing your job-related duties. For instance, if you get into a collision as a delivery driver, you can seek damages through workers’ compensation insurance. 

However, if you were on the clock but got into a collision while running personal errands, you would not qualify for benefits. If you’re concerned about securing workers’ compensation, you can consult with a lawyer on your case. They can help you pursue the benefits you need to address your condition. 

What Is Workers’ Compensation? Who Qualifies?

Workers’ compensation provides benefits for employees who are injured on the job and cannot work due to their injuries. Per the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, benefits start once you’re out of work for seven consecutive days. You’ll get your first payment 21 days after your accident happened. 

Workers’ compensation accounts for your medical bills and a portion of your lost income. Most workers in Georgia, whether they work full or part-time jobs, qualify for benefits. Examples of workers who might recover damages for a car accident at work include: 

• Delivery drivers 
• Contractors who use their own personal vehicles 
• Bus drivers 
• Mail carriers 
• First responders 
• Car wash attendants 
• Journalists who use their own personal vehicles 
• Cars salespeople 
• Construction workers traveling between worksites 

If any of these people get into a car accident while performing their job-related duties, they may pursue workers’ compensation benefits. 

Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits If I Work for a Rideshare Company?

If you work for a rideshare company or mobile food delivery service (such as Uber Eats or Postmates), you do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These companies classify drivers as independent contractors, meaning they do not offer workers’ compensation benefits. 

However, you can still seek compensation for your injuries through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Here, you must prove that another party’s negligence resulted in your collision. You can also seek benefits under your own insurance policy if you have the appropriate coverage. 

What Would Exclude Me from Getting Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Generally, government employees and agricultural workers do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If you work for a company that employs less than three people, it’s not required to offer workers’ compensation coverage, either. 

Furthermore, even if you have coverage, these factors could bar you from getting benefits (if applicable): 

• You were intoxicated while driving or on the job. 
• You were engaging in activities outside the scope of your employment.
• You were not on the clock when the collision occurred. 
• You were engaging in “horseplay” or other reckless behavior. 

If your employer or the insurer believes that any of these elements apply to your claim, you could be denied benefits. In that instance, you can partner with a lawyer who can contest any challenges to your workers’ compensation claim. 

Workers’ Compensation Is a No-Fault System

Georgia operates on a fault-based system when it comes to auto accidents. However, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can pursue benefits regardless of whether you contributed to the incident that harmed you. This would not affect the types and amount of benefits you can receive, either. 

For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888

Workers’ Compensation FAQs

What Should I Do After a Car Accident While at Work?

After any car accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. You actually must seek medical care and get a doctor’s diagnosis to get workers’ compensation benefits. 

You should also: 

• Immediately tell your employer about the accident. You generally have 30 days to report the collision to your employer. Failing to do so could forfeit your right to benefits. 
• File your workers’ compensation claim. You should file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. This way, you can make a solid connection between your injuries and the accident itself.  
• Attend all necessary medical appointments. You should do everything possible to better your condition after getting hurt. This means attending all follow-up appointments and taking medications as prescribed. 
• Consider legal aid. If you have problems getting the benefits you need, consider consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can explain your options and fight for the benefits you deserve. They can also contest any challenges that impede your claim’s success. 

You can learn more about what to do after suffering an on-the-job injury by reading this FAQ from the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Here, you can also learn about being self-insured and whether you qualify for benefits. 

Reach Out to Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today to Learn More

Did you or a loved one suffer harm from a car accident at work? If so, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. To explore your financial recovery options, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers now. We offer free case reviews to injured claimants in Georgia.

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form