If you were hurt in a workplace vehicle accident, you may be able to receive compensation. While you cannot always recover full damages through a workers’ compensation claim, you may do so through a personal injury or product liability lawsuit.
A skilled San Bernardino workplace vehicle accidents lawyer could explain which steps to take first. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side can improve the chances of receiving a fair amount and help you avoid mistakes.
Types of Vehicle Accidents at Work
Several types of vehicle accidents at work can lead to serious injuries. The most common ones are:
- Forklift Accidents: Accidents can occur due to poor maintenance, operator error, or inadequate training
- Delivery Truck Crashes: Employees who drive delivery trucks may be involved in collisions with other vehicles
- Construction Vehicle Incidents: Bulldozers, backhoes, and other heavy machinery pose risks on construction sites
- Loading Dock Accidents: Loading docks are high-risk zones where trucks, forklifts, and other vehicles converge. Accidents can result from miscommunication or a lack of safety barriers
- Company Car Accidents: Employees driving company vehicles for work-related tasks may get into accidents on public roads
Depending on the situation and the primary cause of the accident, the injured party can file several types of claims. A qualified workplace vehicle accident lawyer in San Bernardino could help identify liable parties and provide guidance about the filing process.
Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Claims
When an employee sustains an injury in a workplace vehicle accident, there may be several ways to seek compensation. State law protects all employees by requiring the employer to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Accordingly, if an accident happens while the employee is on duty, they can file a workers’ compensation claim.
However, the coverage under workers’ compensation insurance is only partial. While the worker can recover full medical expenses, they can only receive two-thirds of lost wages. The benefits also do not compensate for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
If the accident involved a third party, the employee may have an opportunity to file a personal injury claim (in addition to the workers’ comp claim). If the worker proves the at-fault party’s negligence, they can recover full economic and non-economic damages.
Reasons to Seek Legal Assistance
Many workers mistakenly believe that workers’ comp payouts are processed automatically. However, sustaining an injury in a workplace vehicle accident does not always mean receiving full compensation.
Many nuances surround the workers’ comp process in San Bernardino. Insurance companies may argue that the accident did not happen in the workplace or that the worker had a preexisting condition that caused the injury.
An experienced San Bernardino workplace vehicle accident attorney could provide the necessary guidance to avoid an unfair outcome. Besides assisting with the workers’ comp claim, attorneys can identify opportunities for other damage recovery, such as personal injury or product liability claims.
Consult a San Bernardino Lawyer about Your Workplace Vehicle Accident
After you sustain injuries in a workplace vehicle accident, you need to take action fast. You must start by notifying the employer within 30 days of the injury and consult a competent San Bernardino workplace vehicle accidents lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Offices of Antony E. Gluck, PC, we have already helped many employees recover the money they deserve. We can help you navigate the case and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
(909) 885-1620