If you are involved in an accident while driving for your employer, and you are classified as an employee, you potentially have a workers’ compensation claim to pursue. In addition, you possibly have a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.

In circumstances where a third-party driver caused your injuries, eAccidents can handle both your workers’ compensation claim and your third-party personal injury case. We understand the interplay between workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims in these circumstances, and we can provide you with a comprehensive plan of action to resolve both claims with the best possible outcome.

Call eAccidents today @ 844-400-0123 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation with an experienced California personal injury attorney.

What You Need to Know After an Accident While Driving For Work

If you drive as part of your job, you have probably had some tough days at work. But it’s hard to imagine any day at work being worse than one upon which you are involved in an accident.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, it can be hard to think clearly, hard to know what to do, and as an employee, hard to remember what you are required to do. That’s why it’s important to have a solid understanding of what you need to know if you are ever involved in an accident while at work.

What you need to know when involved in an accident while driving for work is that there are specific steps you should follow at the scene. These steps are as follows:

1. Stop immediately
Not only is this the right thing to do, but it is also the law. If you don’t stop, you could be ticketed, fined, and/or jailed. What’s more, leaving the scene of the accident could cost you your job.

2. Check for injuries
If you are involved in an accident, it is possible to be injured without realizing it. This is because the trauma and the adrenaline rush can affect your thinking. Therefore, it is important to take a moment to calm yourself, get control of your emotions, determine if you are injured, and plan your next steps.

Also, if anyone else has been injured, you should provide them with reasonable assistance until help arrives. But you should never move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injury, and you have no other option.

3. Call 911 for emergency assistance and law enforcement
Even if no one seems to be injured, it is still important to get law enforcement on the scene to make an accident report. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask someone to do it for you.

4. Document the incident at the scene of the accident
Documenting the incident promptly is important because your employer, law enforcement, and the insurance companies will need as much information about the accident as possible. Also, documenting details about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind will ensure that the information is thorough and accurate.

Whether you record the details of the accident on your employer’s accident report form, a plain sheet of paper, or your smartphone, be sure to include the following information:

• The date, time, and location of the accident;
• Who was involved, including names, license plate and driver’s license numbers, and injuries or fatalities that occurred;
• A detailed description of what happened, including the weather and road conditions and other hazards that may have contributed to the accident.

5. Take Photos/Videos
Take photos and videos of any damage to the vehicle, whether it’s your own vehicle or a company vehicle, as well as, any damage to the other vehicles involved.

6. Record Witness information
Take down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident.

7. Notify your employer
Provide your employer with key information regarding the accident, which should be the same information you documented at the scene of the accident. Make sure that you report all of your injuries.

One of the most important reasons to let your employer know about the accident as soon as possible is so that they can contact their insurance company right away. The sooner the insurance company is notified, the faster any workers’ compensation claim you are entitled to can be processed.

8. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you have sustained
A delay in seeking medical attention for your injuries can jeopardize any claim for compensation you are entitled to receive. Again, you may be injured and not realize it. So, get checked out by a doctor even if you feel fine.

The nature of the accident, such as the severity of any injuries suffered during the accident, will determine the order in which you complete the steps above. The most important thing is that you complete all of these steps to the best of your ability. Then seek the guidance of a qualified personal injury attorney.

Contact an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were involved in an accident while driving for work, and want help to understand your rights and obligations regarding either a workers’ compensation claim and/or third-party personal injury claim, call eAccidents today @ 844-400-0123. We offer free consultations with an experienced and highly knowledgeable California personal injury attorney.