Being involved in a car accident can be a harrowing experience, leaving you not only to deal with physical injuries but also the stress of navigating insurance. When the accident happens while you’re on the job, however, a whole new level of complications occur.

In North Carolina, if you are involved in a car accident while performing work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs resulting from the accident.

After a car accident, understanding your rights regarding workers’ compensation is crucial for ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve. Here’s what injured workers need to know about workers’ compensation after a car accident in North Carolina. 

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Car Accidents

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation benefits typically cover injuries that occur while performing work-related duties. This includes injuries sustained in car accidents while driving for work purposes, such as making deliveries, traveling to meetings, or running errands for your employer. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and rehabilitation costs incurred due to the incident. The goal is to provide support to the injured worker while maintaining the employer’s accountability for maintaining a safe working environment.

In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. As long as the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment, you are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident on the Job

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Seeking medical attention promptly after the accident for any injuries sustained, no matter how minor, is necessary for documenting your injuries and ensuring that you receive the necessary treatment. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to your injuries.

Report the Accident

It is important to report the accident and the resulting injuries to your employer as soon as possible to ensure that you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Report the incident in writing and keep a copy for your records. Failure to report the accident in a timely manner could jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. 

Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to initiate the claims process.

Document the Accident

Gather evidence from the scene of the accident, including photographs of the vehicles involved, witness statements, and any other relevant information. This documentation can be valuable evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim.

Speak to an Attorney

Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be complex, so consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation cases is important. They can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

SeiferFlatow Can Help You Navigate Your Claim

At SeiferFlatow, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the complexities of navigating the workers’ compensation system in North Carolina. With our extensive experience and dedication to our clients’ success, we have achieved favorable outcomes for numerous injured workers.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident while on the job in North Carolina, our team is here to help you navigate the workers’ compensation claim process and obtain the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to speak to an attorney; your road to recovery starts here.