Work-Related Driving Injuries

Various types of jobs require workers to drive motor vehicles as part of their job duties. With some kinds of work, driving requirements are obvious. For example, truck drivers and delivery drivers are tasked with driving goods and materials as the central part of their job. Similarly, bus drivers, taxi or rideshare drivers, and shuttle drivers are workers who drive for a living. Yet there are also many other types of jobs that require driving, such as personal assistants, salespeople, driving instructors, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), roadside assistance workers, and many others. While many employees whose job tasks include driving may take precautions, serious accidents and injuries can still happen.

Whether you drive regularly for your job or only occasionally, it is important to understand how work-related driving injuries can happen and what you can do. Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers can provide you with information you need.

Common Injuries While Driving for Your Job 

Workers who are involved in motor vehicle accidents on the job can suffer serious injuries. According to a report in Forbes, some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions;
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
• Injuries to the face that may include scarring, bleeding, broken bones, or eye injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Bone fractures, including broken ribs or broken arms or legs;
• Whiplash;
• Sprains;
• Strains;
• Contusions or bruising;
• Joint dislocations;
• Traumatic amputations and loss of a limb;
• Organ damage;
• Heart attack and stroke (studies suggest older drivers are more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke following a car crash, according to Forbes); and
• PTSD.

Preventing Traffic Accident Injuries on the Job

 What should workers do to avoid an injury in a collision? While drivers may not always be able to prevent accidents and injuries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following steps:

• Always wear a seat belt;
• Do not speed;
• Avoid driving if you are fatigued or too tired to drive; and
• Understand all maintenance issues on the vehicle you are driving.

Seeking Compensation After a Work-Related Traffic Crash Injury

 You should know that you can be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage to help compensate you for injuries in a work-related automobile or truck crash. To be clear, injuries in a collision that occurred while you were going to or coming from work will not be compensable, but if you were performing a work-related duty at the time of the collision, it may be compensable.

Injuries must arise out of your employment in order to be compensable. In addition, to be eligible for compensation, the Florida Statutes require you to report the injury to your employer within 30 days from the date of the accident (but you should do it as soon as possible) and to seek health care from a provider who has been approved by your employer or the insurer.

Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

Do you have questions or need help with your workers’ compensation claim following a traffic collision? One of our experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can talk with you today about your workers’ compensation case.

Sources:

cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-142/default.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html