The state of New York requires nearly all employers to carry workers compensation insurance, which is designed to protect workers when they’ve been hurt on the job.
Workers compensation will provide benefits like the payment of medical expenses related to your injury, in addition to cash payments to compensate you for any missed earnings at work. Another great thing about workers compensation is that it doesn’t matter who was responsible for the accident.
Work comp covers all injuries that occur at your job or because of your employment. This includes sudden injuries that occur at your workplace or accidents that occur in the course of your work. That means car accidents can be considered a part of your work conditions, and you can receive benefits for work-related auto injuries.
What Types of Auto Collisions Qualify Victims for Work Comp Benefits?
Certain eligibility criteria will apply, of course. For example, most employers’ insurance companies will not cover a car accident in which you were injured while on the way to work. Some do, but you would need to check with your employer’s policy.
What kinds or vehicle collisions are covered? Here’s a look at when a work-related auto accident should be covered by work comp in New York:
- You were traveling to a meeting during normal business hours.
- The crash occurred during a trip to a job site or other location during work hours.
- You don’t have an office and were hurt while traveling for work.
- Your job duties required at-home visits with clients or customers.
- You were traveling to a business lunch authorized by your employer.
Here are some examples of when a motor vehicle wreck likely would not be covered by workers compensation:
- You were drinking and driving during normal business hours.
- You were on your lunch break.
- You were commuting to or from the office.
- You were breaking the law.
- You were at fault for the car accident and your actions were considered reckless or illegal.
There are many more examples of on-the-job vehicle wrecks that would and would not be covered; if you have questions about a specific auto incident, speak with a qualified and experienced workers comp attorney at our firm.
Types of Benefits You Can Receive for an On-the-Job Auto Wreck
Because vehicle collisions are considered work-related injuries, you’re entitled to the same benefits as a worker who suffers an injury at work.
New York workers comp provides the following benefits to injured workers:
- Cash payments to replace wage losses
- Payment of necessary medical expenses
- Cash payments to provide for household services you can’t complete in your injured state
- Death benefits for the family of a worker who was killed in an auto wreck
File a Workers Comp Claim for a Work-Related Auto Wreck
Tell us about your on-the-job vehicle collision during a free consultation, and we’ll let you know whether you qualify to file a work comp claim. Attorneys at Finkelstein, Meirowitz & Eidlisz, LLP handle workers compensation claims every day. We can help you file your claim and fight a denial from the insurer.
Reach a New York workers comp lawyer at 212-385-9190 or by submitting the contact form at the bottom of the page.