Every industry is different, but most workers in California are protected under workers’ compensation insurance through their employer. For employees who drive, this means they have a way to seek compensation if they are injured on the road. In fact, there are multiple avenues for recovery after work-related car accidents. At English Lloyd & Armenta, many of our clients ask us, “What happens if you are injured while driving for work in California?”
Injuries While Driving for Work in California
Depending on the nature of the motor vehicle accident, there are different avenues available to injured employees to recover their losses. First, you may file a workers’ compensation claim, which is a no-fault system available to injured workers on the job. You could also file a personal injury claim against liable third parties.
In many cases, injured parties decide to file both. It’s highly recommended that you hire a work injury lawyer to pursue compensation for your losses, especially if you’re filing both types of claims. Workers’ comp claims and personal injury claims are under different jurisdictions. Workers’ compensation claims go through the California Division of Workers’ Compensation, while personal injury claims are overseen by a local civil superior court.
Recoverable damages through the workers’ compensation program include lost wages, medical expenses, and death benefits for fatal cases. Unlike the no-fault workers’ comp system, you must prove fault if you wish to file a personal injury claim against another party. If a loved one died on the job due to someone’s negligent conduct, you typically have one year to file a wrongful death claim.
California follows a pure comparative fault law, which means injured parties can file a claim, regardless of their percentage of fault in the incident. That said, your settlement can be reduced by shared fault in a car accident case. It’s important that you establish clear liability to recover the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States. California roadways, in particular, see a great deal of commercial traffic. In a single year, commercial motor vehicles in California traveled approximately 325,959 miles. If you’re injured while driving for work in California, you can hire a work injury lawyer to go over your options and advocate for you, both in and out of the courtroom.
Hire a Work Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Work Injury Claim in California
Work injury cases can be difficult, especially when you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the recovery process on your own. English Lloyd & Armenta has been representing injured employees throughout Southern California since 1981. Over our 45+ years in business, we’ve recovered millions for our clients through successful settlements and verdicts.* We’ve also earned a great reputation, including:
- 10.0 rating on Avvo
- Avvo Top Contributor Award
- Avvo’s Client’s Choice Award
- Best Employment Lawyers in Indio by Expertise.com
- Palm Springs Life Top Lawyer for eight consecutive years**
If you’re ready to discuss your recovery options, contact English Lloyd & Armenta to set up a consultation with a trusted California work injury attorney today. We’re located in the Coachella Valley near I-10.
*Past settlements and recoveries don’t guarantee future case results.
**Criteria for industry awards and accolades vary by organization.
