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A vehicle accident while performing your job duties can leave you dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. Many injured workers are unsure whether their crash qualifies for workers’ compensation or if they must rely only on auto insurance coverage.
In Missouri, a work-related vehicle accident may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if the crash happened while you were performing tasks connected to your job. In some situations, injured workers may also have a separate personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Understanding how these claims work can help you protect your health, finances, and legal rights after a serious accident.
When a Vehicle Accident Qualifies as a Work Injury
Missouri workers’ compensation laws generally cover injuries that happen while an employee is acting within the course and scope of employment. This usually means you were driving or traveling because your employer required it as part of your job duties.
Common examples of work-related driving include:
- Traveling between job sites
- Making deliveries or pickups
- Visiting clients or customers
- Running errands for your employer
- Attending work-related meetings or training
If you were injured while completing one of these tasks, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits even if another driver caused the accident.
However, routine commuting between your home and your regular workplace is usually not covered under Missouri workers’ compensation law. This often surprises workers who assume any crash involving work travel automatically qualifies as a workplace injury.
What Workers’ Compensation May Cover
When a work-related vehicle accident qualifies for workers’ compensation, benefits may include payment for medical treatment and a portion of lost wages while you recover.
Covered medical care may include:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also receive temporary disability benefits to help replace part of your lost income.
In cases involving long-term injuries, workers may qualify for permanent disability benefits if they are left with lasting physical limitations after the accident.
While workers’ compensation provides important benefits, it does not cover everything. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full lost wages are generally not available through a workers’ compensation claim alone.
You May Also Have a Separate Injury Claim
One important difference between vehicle accidents and many other workplace injuries is that another driver is often involved. If another person caused the crash, you may have a third-party personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation case.
A third-party claim may allow injured workers to recover compensation for losses not covered by workers’ compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost income
- Loss of future earning ability
- Vehicle damage
- Emotional distress
These claims are typically filed against the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Because workers’ compensation and personal injury claims can overlap, it is important to understand how they may affect each other. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or shift responsibility whenever possible.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
After a work-related vehicle accident, evidence can disappear quickly. Witness memories fade, vehicles are repaired, and insurance companies begin investigating immediately.
Missouri workers’ compensation claims are also subject to important reporting deadlines. Injured workers generally must notify their employer of the accident within a limited period to protect their right to benefits.
Delays can make it harder to recover compensation and may create unnecessary disputes with insurance companies.
How Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. Can Help
Work-related vehicle accident claims can become complicated when workers’ compensation and personal injury laws overlap. Determining what benefits are available and which insurance policies apply is not always straightforward.
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we help injured workers understand their options after serious job-related vehicle accidents. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, missed work, or questions about your legal rights, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
To learn more about your options after a work-related vehicle accident, contact Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C..