How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Receive Workers’ Compensation
If you were involved in a car accident while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can help you pay for your medical expenses and recover a percentage of your lost wages. A car accident lawyer helps you navigate the complexities of work-related car accidents and fights for the compensation you are entitled to.
Determining Eligibility
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation if you are involved in a car accident while you are actively working. This includes running errands for your employer, driving to complete work-related tasks, and traveling for work. It does not include commuting to and from work or running personal errands during the work day. You may also forfeit your benefits if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving, even if you were working. In unclear situations, your lawyer can help you determine whether your case is eligible for a workers’ insurance claim.
Tennesse’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
Tennessee’s workers’ compensation program gives you 30 days to report your car accident and resulting injuries. If you do not report it, your claim will be denied, and you waive your right to benefits. After calling the police and receiving medical care for your injuries, contact your employer or HR manager to inform them of your accident. You should also include details about your injuries. Send a written confirmation by email or letter that contains the details of your car accident and the date. When you receive medical care, keep the receipts of the care you received and your incurred costs.
After reporting your accident, you are entitled to a panel of three physicians to choose between. The physician you select can evaluate and treat you for your injuries. If they recommend taking time off from work, you can receive weekly payments of up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage for the next 52 weeks. If you sustained a permanent injury from the car accident, you may be entitled to a settlement. Your employer can also pay for lifetime medical benefits in this situation. If you are eligible for a settlement, your car accident attorney will help you receive fair compensation that covers your medical expenses and lost wages.
What To Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied
If your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance adjuster believes your injury does not fall under workers’ compensation, they may deny your claim. This means you will not receive any compensation. You can file an appeal to challenge this decision. A car accident lawyer from Reasonover Law can help fight to get your claim approved. They do this by proving that the car accident and the resulting injuries occurred while you were working.
Your lawyer will communicate with the workers’ compensation insurer and create a strong defense by gathering medical evidence and details about the car accident that support your claim. They also negotiate with insurers and employers and represent you at your workers’ compensation hearing. Hiring a lawyer to represent you when your workers’ compensation claim is denied can give you a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the Other Driver
In Tennessee, you can file for workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A personal injury claim should be filed directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. This claim can help you receive compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and more. Your car accident lawyer can help you calculate damages, compile evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company. This can help you receive the maximum compensation possible. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement after negotiations, your lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
If You Are Found At Fault for the Car Accident
To bring a personal injury claim against the other driver after a car accident, they must be at fault. This means that they caused the car accident. If you are responsible for the accident, you cannot bring a claim against them. These rules do not apply to workers’ compensation claims. You can file a workers’ compensation claim without needing to prove who caused the crash. You can still collect benefits as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. This applies even if the car accident was your fault.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer From Reasonover Law
A car accident lawyer can help you receive workers’ compensation when you get into a car accident while working. They can also assist you in filing a personal injury claim against the other driver to receive compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Reasonover Law’s small, specialized team prioritizes protecting your rights and helping you receive fair compensation for lost wages and injuries you sustained during a car accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.