Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Who Seek Justice for Injured Car Passengers in Arkansas
There is a distinction between motor vehicle accidents that happen on your own time and those that occur while you work. The ones that happen while you work may entitle you to workers’ compensation.
Each situation is different, and you should discuss your car collision details with an experienced workers’ compensation motor vehicle collision attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield. Arkansas’s Workers’ Compensation program is administered by the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC). Most employers carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have hired three or more employees.
If you drive for work or were injured in a company vehicle, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation. These cases typically depend on the circumstances of the matter in question. Although you may know of other instances in which someone was denied or granted workers’ compensation, no two cases are alike. Talking with our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys can help ease the stress of figuring things out independently.
What Work-Related Accidents Mean for Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Claims
A work-related accident can result in an employee sustaining severe injuries. One critical piece to remember is that the injuries must happen at work and be tied to a specific event to be covered under workers’ compensation.
There are many people whose main job is driving for a living, including bus drivers, taxi cab drivers, school bus drivers, commercial truckers, and drivers who transport the disabled to their destinations. Any injuries sustained are considered work-related if you are driving and doing your job and are involved in a crash. Workers’ compensation should cover severe injuries from a vehicle crash, even if the accident were partially your fault.
If it turns out that workers’ compensation does not cover you, and there are instances where this is possible, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. Who is liable for the accident is information your workers’ compensation motor vehicle collision attorney needs to know. It is also vital for the attorney to understand your job description, what you were doing the day of your accident, and where you were headed when you were in a collision.
Benefits Of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Arkansas
Workers’ compensation covers medical costs and benefits for injured workers who struggle to perform job tasks. In most instances, medical expenses are only covered if the worker uses the approved company doctor. Replacement wages while a worker is recovering from their injuries are usually 2/3rds their average salary.
Although there are other alternatives to garnering supplemental income while recovering, it is best to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation motor vehicle collision attorney. No two cases have the same outcome – everyone is affected differently.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, we can help you understand the various insurance companies and issues that arise, sort out responsible parties and determine compensation plans.
How Commuting to Work Affects Workers’ Compensation
In most cases, commuting to and from work is not work-related and does not count for workers’ compensation. However, there are some possible exceptions. The exceptions that may work, depending on the circumstances of your case, are:
- If you are on a business trip.
- If you are commuting to a location that is not your usual job location.
- Long car trips are ordinary in many occupations and could be covered if an accident occurs.
- Accidents may be covered if your job is not to drive but requires much driving.
- If you were a salesperson, engineer, architect, or other position and needed to visit clients at different locations, you may be covered for car accidents. Traveling to see others is a standard part of the job, meaning a car accident may be work-related.
- If an accident happens while you are in a company vehicle.
Any accidents in these scenarios should be covered under Arkansas’ Workers’ Compensation rules. If you have experienced a similar situation, seek advice from our legal team. We will help you file a workers’ compensation claim if you were involved in a vehicle collision during your work day.
Worried You May Be Partially Responsible for the Crash?
The first thing to understand is that even though you may feel you were partially at fault, only speak to your attorney about your feelings until all the evidence is gathered and assessed. There could be several reasons for the accident, including mechanical default, bad roads, or poor weather.
Never admit fault at the crash scene to another driver or anyone else. Never discuss responsibility with an insurance company, either. Only speak to your workers’ compensation motor vehicle attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield. An attorney will represent you on your behalf. We have over 20 years of experience working with insurance companies and understand the challenges in workers’ compensation cases.
The state’s Workers’ Compensation laws follow a no-fault system. If you were partially or solely responsible for a car crash, you might still be eligible to receive full benefits for your injuries.
The Most Important Issue in an Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Case
The most critical issue in a workers’ compensation case involving a work incident is to file a claim as soon as possible. An injured worker must notify their employer about the incident so that they are fully aware of the incident and any injuries sustained.
In writing, date the notice, include the time of the accident, and note what injuries you sustained. Also, inform a supervisor or manager verbally about your work incident. If you do not notify or start the claim process quickly, you risk having your claim denied.
Make sure you note whom you spoke with and keep notes for yourself. Be present at all doctor appointments and do everything you are asked to do, including tests and rehabilitation. In fact, throughout the whole process of medical evaluation, assessment, treatment, healing, and recovery, keep notes, hold receipts, and take pictures. The next critical step is to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you develop a recovery plan and seek the most compensation for your case.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
If you were involved in a workers’ compensation motor vehicle collision, contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling (479) 361-3575. Our dedicated legal team of workers’ compensation motor vehicle accident lawyers is here to help.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and to find out what you can expect should you file a workers’ compensation claim or choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of your case. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one chat or quick call away.