Injured While Driving For Work? Your Rights To Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Whether delivering packages, traveling to job sites, or meeting clients on the road, driving is a routine part of many people’s jobs. When accidents happen, workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland can help cover your losses. However, these claims often get disputed by insurers.
Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney helps injured workers understand their rights and get the benefits they’re entitled to under state law. If you were hurt while driving as part of your job duties, here’s what you need to know.
When Driving Injuries Are Covered by Maryland Workers’ Compensation
Under the Maryland Labor and Employment Code, workers’ compensation coverage is available for injuries that occur in the course of employment, including job-related travel. If you’re injured in a car accident while performing a work duty, you likely qualify, even if you are in your personal vehicle. Common scenarios in which employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Delivery drivers hurt while transporting goods or food;
- Sales reps or consultants injured while traveling to client meetings;
- Construction or trade workers who suffer injuries while traveling between job sites;
- Home healthcare aides involved in a crash while driving to patient appointments;
- Employees involved in accidents while running errands or picking up supplies for their employer.
Keep in mind that you are generally not covered during your commute unless you are performing a task for your employer. Also, if you’re injured while taking an unsanctioned detour or running personal errands during work time, there is a strong chance the insurer will dispute or deny your claim.
What to Do After Work-Related Driving Injuries In Maryland
If you get hurt in a work-related car accident, it’s important to act quickly. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so even if the accident wasn’t caused by another driver, you may still be entitled to benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).
These benefits can include payment of medical costs, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent injuries. To protect your rights to workers’ comp, take these steps:
- Report the accident to your employer immediately.
- Get prompt medical care and tell the provider your injuries are work-related.
- Document your injuries, symptoms, and how the accident happened, such as through medical records and photos from the accident scene.
- Contact an attorney who can help you file a workers’ comp claim through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you are involved in a work-related car accident in Maryland and the other driver is to blame, you may be able to file a claim against them as well. This can entitle you to payments not covered by workers’ compensation, such as property damages and pain and suffering.
Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Is Here to Help
Work-related car accidents in Maryland can cause potentially devastating injuries. Unfortunately, victims are often shocked when workers’ compensation fails to cover their costs.
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we take the legal actions needed to get you the maximum amount you are owed. For trusted legal help, contact our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney. Request a consultation today.
Source:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText
