Driving is unquestionably the most dangerous activity most of us engage in on a daily basis. Each year, approximately 1.35 million people around the world lose their lives in fatal car accidents, and up to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries—many of them serious and resulting in long-term disabilities—in motor vehicle accidents globally.
In the U.S., motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths.
For many Americans, driving commercial trucks, cars and vans is a regular and essential part of their job. These hardworking men and women are at higher risk of sustaining a serious injury or being killed in an auto accident.
Work-related auto accidents aren’t just a concern for truck drivers, bus operators, delivery drivers and taxi drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are the 1st or 2nd leading cause of death in every major industry group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Errands for Work in Your Personal Vehicle
If your employer reimburses you for mileage, you are likely acting within the scope of your employment, but what if you were simply running an errand, like dropping the company mail at the post office? Business errands, just like other acts you perform on behalf of your employer, are nearly always considered acting within the scope of employment.
Why? Because acting in the scope of employment means your employer benefits from your activity, even if it is just dropping off the mail. You are still on the job even if you are using your personal vehicle.
What if I Was at Fault for the Car Accident?
Florida is a “no-fault” state which means that regardless of fault, each person’s PIP will provide for medical care and/or lost wages up to the maximum amount of coverage available. However, auto accidents involving work related activities need not utilize any PIP benefits or have any out of pocket expenses for deductibles, etc. In Florida, workers compensation is the primary source of benefits.
Even if an employee was responsible for causing an auto accident, the employee may still be able to receive workers compensation benefits if he or she was injured in the collision.
Next Steps
If you were injured in an auto accident while performing a work-related task or duty, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and partial lost wages.
The workers compensation attorneys at Probinsky & Cole are ready to work for your claim to help you recover the benefits you deserve.
An attorney can examine all aspects of your case, advise you of possible legal options, and help you to decide the next steps to take.
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