Modesto Work-Related Vehicular Accident Lawyers

Many work-related accidents happen not in a factory or on a construction site, but on the roads. There are many jobs that require workers to get behind the wheel, for example:

• Commercial truck driver
• Fed Ex/UPS truck driver
• Car salesman
• Bus driver
• Taxi driver

You may also qualify for workers’ compensation if you are not a professional driver, but were on a work-related errand when you got in a car accident. For example, if you were driving to pick up office supplies or coffee for your co-workers when you got into an accident, you may qualify for workers’ comp. However, if you were merely driving to or from work when you were injured, you likely would not qualify. If you were injured in what you believe was a work-related vehicle accident and you’re not sure what to do next, call our Modesto work-related car accident attorneys, the Law Offices of Duarte, Urstoeger & Ruble, LLP, at 209-225-9463.

Why Are Work-Related Car Crashes Different From Regular Car Accidents?

A crash at work is not handled the same as a typical car accident. When you are driving at your job or on behalf of your employer, your injury may fall under workers’ compensation, even if another driver caused the collision. This changes how benefits are paid, how fault is viewed and what options are available to you.

These cases often involve more than one layer of responsibility. Employers, insurance carriers and outside drivers may all play a role, which can affect how your claim is handled and what recovery you receive. 

What Are The Exceptions To California’s “Coming And Going Rule”?

In general, injuries during a normal commute are not covered. However, there are key exceptions that may allow you to pursue benefits. For instance, the following situations may qualify:

• Travel between job sites: If your work requires you to move from one location to another during the day, you are still considered on the job. This means an accident during that travel may be covered under workers’ compensation.
• Running work-related errands: If your employer asks you to complete a task outside your usual duties, such as picking up supplies or making a delivery, you may still be within the scope of employment. Even short trips can qualify when they directly benefit your employer.
• Employer-provided transportation: When your employer provides a vehicle or pays for your travel time, your commute may no longer be considered personal. This can shift your claim into a covered work activity.

Each situation requires a careful review of facts. Our firm focuses on these technicalities to help ensure you are not left standing alone after a highway collision. As such, we look closely at your job duties and the circumstances of the crash to determine whether an exception applies and to present your claim clearly from the start.

Layers Of Compensation For A Range Of Accidents

A car or truck driver injury can result from many things, from the catastrophic to the mundane, including:

• Rear-end collision
• Jackknifed tractor-trailer
• Repetitive stress injury

Unless alcohol is involved, professional drivers who are injured while driving for work are eligible for workers’ compensation. It doesn’t even matter if you, as the driver, were technically at fault. If the other driver was at fault, however, you may even be able to file a civil suit separately from the workers’ compensation case. Whatever your specific situation, you need to talk to a California lawyer dedicated to procuring appropriate financial relief through workers’ compensation so you can recover and move on with your life. We can help.

Make An Appointment Today

Our firm offers free initial consultations for prospective clients in the Modesto and Stockton area. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us until we recover compensation for your case. When the road is your workplace, an injury can feel like running out of gas in the middle of the desert. At the Law Offices of Duarte, Urstoeger & Ruble, LLP, we can refill the tank and get you on your way. Call today at 209-225-9463 to make an appointment with an attorney or email us.

Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to 5 years in prison or up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.