Your Colorado Springs Company Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Were you hurt in an accident while you were in a company vehicle or driving for work-related reasons? You may be entitled to compensation for your losses with the help of a company vehicle accident lawyer.
While accidents happen every day, many people aren’t sure how to proceed if they’re hurt while driving on company time. Our Colorado work-related car accident lawyers at Heuser & Heuser are experienced in helping clients get the compensation they need after these kinds of accidents. Call our office today to find out how our company vehicle accident lawyers can help you!
Getting Help Is Fast & Easy
As soon as you call us at 719-419-9623, we start working on your case right away. From then on, we handle everything. It really is just that easy!
You Deserve to Be Paid
Get every dollar you’re entitled to! Our team of experienced car accident lawyers will make sure you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
If you were injured in an accident in a company vehicle or on company time, you likely know what a traumatic and confusing experience it can be. How will you pay your medical bills and other expenses? Should you file a car accident claim or are you entitled to workers’ compensation?
We understand you’re stressed, in pain, and wondering what to do next. We want you to know that we’re here for you and can help you navigate every step of this difficult process.
Our car accident lawyers handle every case with care and strive for the best possible results for each and every one of our clients. No one should have to suffer injuries while they were just trying to do their job. We’ll fight for the money you need to move forward after your accident so you can focus on your recovery
We’ve Helped Thousands of Injured People Get The Money They Deserve
$1,200,000
Truck Accident
Client was hit by a truck, sustaining ankle injuries, a broken pelvis, broken ribs, and a broken wrist. Client required surgery.
$550,000
Auto Accident
Client was involved in a roll over accident. Client sustained head, neck, and back injuries which required rehabilitative care, several surgeries, and extensive therapy.
$475,000
Auto Accident
Client was rear ended and pushed into another vehicle. Client sustained a back injury and significant lost wages. Client required extensive therapy.
See What Our Clients Say
PERSONAL INJURY VS. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
As work-life boundaries disappear for many people, it’s important to understand your legal rights if you’re injured in a car accident in a company vehicle, on company time, or while carrying out a work-related task.
After a work-related car accident, you’re likely wondering whether you’re entitled to compensation through a workers’ comp or personal injury claim. To help bring clarity to this confusing situation, we’ve outlined the main differences between the two areas of law below:
PERSONAL INJURY
If another driver caused your car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against that driver.
Generally, personal injury claims involve filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier in order to pursue compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses. You may also receive damages for your pain and suffering or, in other words, the physical, mental, and emotional impact your accident and injuries have had on your life.
In order to obtain compensation through a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that the other driver acted negligently and caused the accident that led to your harm.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
To qualify for workers’ comp benefits, your accident must have been work-related. Usually, if you’re injured at your place of work, you will be covered. While eligibility can be a little trickier, if you’re in a car accident while driving or riding in a vehicle on company time or for work-related reasons, you may also be entitled to workers’ comp benefits.
Workers’ compensation is, typically, paid by your employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier. Unlike personal injury claims, you do not need to prove fault. If you suffered work-related injuries, you can usually collect workers’ comp benefits.
Keep in mind that workers’ comp claims also differ from personal injury claims in the types of damages you’re able to pursue. Workers’ comp claims typically only allow an injured worker to receive payments for financial losses, such as their medical bills and lost wages. You cannot receive compensation for pain and suffering through workers’ comp benefits like you can in a personal injury claim.
DENIED WORKERS’ COMP BENEFITS FOR YOUR JOB-RELATED CAR ACCIDENT?
If you were injured in a car wreck while on the job and your workers’ compensation claim was unfairly denied, don’t give up! Heuser & Heuser has a team of skilled work injury attorneys who will fight to help you get back on track after your accident.
WHAT CAN WORKERS’ COMP BENEFITS COVER?
In Colorado, workers’ compensation benefits can cover various expenses related to a job-related car accident. These may include the following:
- Medical Expenses: Workers’ comp can cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your car accident injuries, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, workers’ compensation can provide you with a portion of your lost wages. The amount you receive will depend on your average weekly wage and the severity of your injuries, and you may also be compensated for the wages you’ll be expected to miss out on if your recovery is still in progress.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, workers’ comp may cover vocational rehabilitation expenses to help you retrain for a new position.
- Disability Benefits: If your injuries are severe enough to leave you with a disability, workers’ comp can provide you with disability benefits based on the nature and extent of your disability.
The amount of workers’ comp benefits you receive for a work-related car accident will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of time you need to take off work, and the type of benefits you are eligible for.
If you were driving a work vehicle at the time of the accident, your workers’ comp benefits will likely cover you regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is because workers’ comp is a no-fault insurance and is usually paid out regardless of who was responsible for the accident.
However, if you were driving your own vehicle but were still performing work-related tasks at the time of the accident, your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits may depend on your employer’s policies and the circumstances of the accident. To determine your rights and what options you have for pursuing benefits, schedule a cost-free case evaluation today.
Can I File Both a Workers’ Comp Claim and a Personal Injury Claim?
Many people wonder if they can file both a workers’ comp and personal injury claim after a work-related car accident. Determining what you’re entitled to and the best course of action can be complicated.
While every case is different, you typically don’t have to choose between filing a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury claim. In other words, even if you receive workers’ comp benefits from your employer, you may still have the right to pursue compensation from the driver who caused your accident through a personal injury claim.
For example, let’s say you’re making a delivery for the benefit of your employer and you’re hit head on by another driver who was clearly at fault. You can potentially receive workers’ comp benefits through your employer and file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you start receiving workers’ comp benefits, your employer’s insurance carrier may have a right of subrogation for any compensation you get from third parties. This means that if, on top of your workers’ comp benefits, you later win a car accident settlement from the other driver, your employer’s insurance company may have a right to part of your settlement for any “doubly recovered benefits.” However, you may be able to get a reduction for the workers’ compensation subrogation interest benefits paid to you.
With this in mind, you may be wondering why you should even go to the trouble of filing a personal injury claim if your employer’s insurance company is just going to take some of that money back.
Usually, workers’ comp covers basic needs like lost wages and medical bills but doesn’t offer an injured person compensation for non-economic damages (pain and suffering). These damages can be some of the most substantial losses a car accident victim experiences. A personal injury claim can provide the compensation you deserve and need for your pain and suffering.
Hurt in a Wreck on Company Time? We Can Help!
Our Colorado work-related car accident lawyers understand how confusing and overwhelming navigating both the workers’ comp system and the personal injury claims process can be.
We have years of experience and have obtained successful results for both workers’ comp and personal injury cases. Representing injured individuals in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and other surrounding communities, our attorneys know your rights and will protect your best interests.
It’s your job to focus on your recovery and our job to focus on securing the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to, whether that’s through a workers’ comp claim, a personal injury claim, or both!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident while on company time or while performing work-related activities, please don’t hesitate to call us or fill out our online contact form. We’ll do whatever we can to help!
WORK-RELATED CAR ACCIDENT FAQS
Should I Tell My Employer If I’m Injured in a Car Accident While Working?
Yes, you should immediately notify your employer if you are injured in a car accident while working. Colorado law requires that you report any work-related injury to your employer within four days of the accident, or as soon as reasonably possible. Failing to report the injury within this time frame may jeopardize your ability to obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Comp If I Was at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if you were at fault for the accident. Colorado is a no-fault state when it comes to workers’ compensation, meaning that you are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident, as long as the injury occurred while you were performing work-related duties.
Can I Choose Which Doctor Treats My Injuries?
Under Colorado law, your employer or their insurance company has the right to select the doctor or medical provider who will treat your work-related injuries. However, if you are not satisfied with the doctor chosen by your employer, you may be able to request a change of physician through the workers’ compensation system.
How Long Do I Have To File a Workers’ Comp Claim After an On-the-Job Accident?
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the work-related accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, it is important to report the injury to your employer within four days or as soon as possible and to file the claim promptly to avoid any issues with the statute of limitations.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Work Injury?
In most cases, no, you cannot sue your employer for a work injury in Colorado. Workers’ compensation is considered the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries, meaning that it generally bars employees from suing their employers for those injuries. However, there may be exceptions to this rule in cases involving intentional or egregious misconduct by the employer. It is important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to determine if you have any legal options beyond workers’ compensation.
