What Should You Do After a Work-Related Car Accident in Maryland?
October 24, 2024If you get into a car accident in your private car, you usually have a straightforward claims process. And if you need coverage for a Workers’ Compensation incident, your workplace documentation and HR department will guide you.
However, when you get into a car accident while working, the legal aftermath can feel much more complicated. Who is responsible for your damage, and who do you file a claim with if you suffered an injury? Let our Maryland car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton guide you.
If you suffer a car accident injury while performing your job duties, you need to make a few calls as soon as possible. First, call 911 to request medical aid for your injuries, even if they appear light—some internal damage (like concussions) can get worse over time if they go untreated.
Then, call your employer to report your crash. Once you have made these calls, take photos of the accident scene if you can safely, and collect contact and insurance information from the other involved drivers.
Your employer should guide you through filing a Workers’ Compensation claim for your injuries, which will help you cover your medical expenses, possible rehabilitation costs, and some of your forgone wages.
Keep in mind that a Workers’ Compensation claim does not necessarily preclude other insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, especially if your company’s workers’ comp coverage cannot fully pay for your bills. You may need to file a separate insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to fully pay for your medical expenses and other costs.
Who Is Liable for a Work-Related Car Accident?
To file a claim or lawsuit, you need to identify the party responsible for your collision—but doing so for a work-related car accident can be difficult.
For instance, if your company’s vehicle experienced a mechanical failure due to poor or inadequate inspections, you could hold your employer or the maintenance crew liable for your injuries. If you choose to do so, however, ensure that the collision happened while performing your duties, not while running a personal errand.
In many cases, other drivers cause collisions due to negligent vehicle operation. You can pursue a claim against the at-fault drivers in addition to receiving your Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Can Workers’ Compensation Cover All of Your Damages?
Workers’ Compensation may cover a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, but many of our clients here at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have needed more to fully pay for their associated expenses. Additionally, Workers’ Compensation only covers economic damage like hospital stays and rehabilitative costs—it may not address non-economic damages without a specific dollar amount, like your pain and suffering or degraded quality of life.
You may need to consider filing a personal injury claim for the latter costs, as Maryland courts can award you compensation to cover your non-economic injuries. If the at-fault party acted especially recklessly or egregiously, you could even claim punitive damages if you succeed in your lawsuit.
Why Is It Important to Work with a Lawyer After a Work-Related Car Accident?
If you want to fully pay for all the expenses from your work-related car accident, you may need to work through the Workers’ Compensation process and the legal system—and this process can feel overwhelming. However, a dedicated and experienced car accident attorney can guide you through both processes at once, helping you ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Recover From Your Accident With the Maryland Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton
When you need to cover the costs of your work-related accident, trust the seasoned Maryland car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.