Every year, California and the rest of the country experiences an increase of motor vehicles on the roads and highways. With more people spending a large amount of time during the day in their cars for work-related duties, it is imperative to know your legal rights if you are injured in a car collision on the job.
In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must be “on the job” at the time your injury occurred. If you are involved in a car accident while driving or riding in a car for work-related reasons away from your place of work, you may be covered by workers’ compensation.
The following are common scenarios of work-related car accidents:
- Making deliveries
- Transporting another employee
- Running an errand for your employer
- If you travel for work and do not have a fixed office location
- If you are paid for your travel time to or from home
- If you drive for a living
When it comes to driving company vehicles, the relationship between employers and employees falls under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” This means employers are legally liable for the actions of their employees while “acting within the scope of their employment,” including paying for injuries and property damage caused by an employee while operating a company vehicle.
On the other hand, you cannot collect workers’ compensation benefits for a car accident which occurred while you were going to or coming from work. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you stopped to pick up office supplies on your way to work, and then you were involved in a car accident, you may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Whether your employer refuses to cooperate with the workers’ comp process or your initial claim was denied, contact our Glendale workers’ comp attorneys at the Law Office of Wax & Wax and schedule your free consultation today.
