Work-related car accidents are unfortunately common in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 55,000 workers suffer injuries related to transportation each year. With millions of company vehicles on the roads, it’s no surprise that a significant number of these accidents involve employees driving for work. If you’ve been in an accident while driving a company car or your own car for work, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. This article will provide an overview of how to get the compensation you deserve after a work-related auto accident.
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Hire an Experienced Attorney
The first and most important step is to hire an experienced personal injury or car accident attorney. An attorney who specializes in these types of cases will know how to build the strongest case for maximum compensation under the law. They will also be familiar with negotiating with insurance companies and have the resources to take a case to trial if needed.
Don’t try to handle your claim on your own – the insurance company‘s goal is to pay as little as possible, so you need an advocate on your side.
What’s more, nearly a quarter of victims who dealt with insurance companies on their own reported a negative experience. A good car accident attorney will deal with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Gather Evidence and Document Losses
Your attorney will begin gathering evidence to prove liability and losses resulting from the crash. This may include police reports, photos of property damage, medical records related to your injuries, and documentation of lost income. Keep track of all accident-related expenses like medical bills, property repairs, mileage to doctor’s appointments, lost wages, and anything else stemming from the crash. Your lawyer can use this information to calculate current and future economic damages. As an example, the average payout for a car accident in 2020 was over $20,000.
Determine Liable Parties
Most work accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties – the at-fault driver, their insurance, your own insurance, and your employer’s insurance. An attorney will identify all possible sources of compensation and build a claim against each one. This may include filing a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver. Experienced lawyers have strategies for maximizing recovery from multiple policies.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Once your attorney has gathered evidence and identified all liable parties, they will submit a demand letter to the appropriate insurance companies requesting compensation for your damages. Your attorney will then negotiate a settlement, leveraging the evidence to get the highest payout under the circumstances. If the initial offer is insufficient, your lawyer may revise the demand or take other action to get the insurance company to raise their offer.
Be Prepared to Litigate
If an acceptable settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, then your attorney will prepare to litigate your claim in court. They will file a personal injury lawsuit detailing your losses and the liable parties. This legal action puts pressure on insurers to pay a fair settlement to avoid a costly trial. Your lawyer will handle all aspects of litigation while keeping you updated on the proceedings. The vast majority of claims settle out of court, but your attorney will be ready to go to trial if needed to get you full compensation.
Suffering injuries and financial hardship from a work-related car crash can be devastating. Don’t go it alone – consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident. With legal guidance, you can make the process as smooth as possible and receive the maximum compensation for your losses.
