Illinois law requires employers to compensate injured workers following job-related accidents. Car accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. When an employee is involved in a vehicle accident while working, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation lawyers at the Cullotta Bravo Law Group can help employees pursue these benefits. Whether you were injured performing a work-related errand or during your usual driving duties, we have the knowledge and skills required to get you the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Workers’ Compensation Through Your Employer
In many cases, Illinois employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after being injured in a car accident. Workers’ compensation claims don’t require a demonstration of negligence on the part of your employer. In order to be eligible for benefits, though, the following must be true:
- You must be a W2 employee, not an independent contractor.
- The injury needs to have occurred while performing duties at work. This typically excludes motor vehicle accidents that happen during your commute.
- Injuries must not have been the result of intoxication or other serious criminal violations on your part.
Benefits will cover medical expenses relating to your accident if you are approved for workers’ compensation. If your injuries are severe, you may qualify for temporary or permanent disability benefits to compensate for some of your lost wages.
“No Fault” Workplace Injuries
When it comes to workplace injuries, Illinois is a “no-fault” state. That means that regardless of who caused the accident, workers are entitled to compensation benefits. For instance, if you’re an employee making a delivery and you run a red light, you’re still eligible for benefits even if the accident was your fault. The only exception to this rule? You can’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. You also can’t be breaking serious criminal law in your efforts to perform your work duties.
Many employers seek to place the blame for workplace vehicle accidents on their workers in the hopes of avoiding expensive workers’ compensation claims. If your employer is providing you with misleading or confusing requirements for making such a claim, it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t sacrifice your right to compensation just because your manager is making you feel guilty about your accident.
Benefits for Illinois Workers Injured in Car Accidents
A wide range of workers’ compensation benefits may be available to you following an on-the-job motor vehicle accident. Most injuries will entitle you to medical expenses and at least part of your lost wages. More serious injuries may qualify you for additional benefits like vocational rehab or lifetime disability. Some benefits available to Illinois workers injured in car accidents include:
- Lost wages – Workers are entitled to more than 60 percent of their weekly earnings while recovering from their injuries.
- Medical bills – All of your medical expenses stemming from the workplace accidents should be covered, including surgeries, hospitalizations, and medical supplies.
- Total disability benefits – If you’re temporarily unable to perform any work duties after your accident, you may be entitled to Temporary Total Disability, or TTD. Upon reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), your doctor may determine that you’re permanently unable to work. In such cases, you’ll be granted Permanent Total Disability (PTD) status.
- Partial disability benefits – If you’re able to perform some of your usual work duties but not others, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits.
- Death benefits – When a worker is killed in a workplace accident, their surviving spouse or child may be entitled to weekly benefits for up to 25 years.
Workers’ compensation regulations exist to protect employees from the financial hardship that often accompanies injuries and fatalities. If you’re struggling after a workplace motor vehicle accident and aren’t sure how to proceed, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney.
Discuss Your Claim with an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The days and weeks following an on-the-job car accident can be confusing. If you’re unsure about your legal rights and don’t know how to proceed, reach out to our office to set up a free initial consultation. The attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law are well-versed in Illinois workers’ compensation laws and can shed light on what steps you should take next. Schedule your consultation online or by calling 630-898-7800 today.
