Work Vehicle Accident - St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Ever Missouri worker should know that if they get hurt, they may file a claim for workers compensation. This is an insurance policy the state requires most employers to carry in order to give workers some comfort during these unfortunate times. The compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment and even account for lost wages until the worker is healthy enough to resume their activity.

However, workers compensation law is very complex, and there are a lot of questions about what it actually covers. For instance, if a worker has an accident in a company car, are they eligible for workers compensation?

What Does the Law Say

Workers compensation law in Missouri states that a worker who was injured at their job or becomes ill as a result of constant exposure to the work environment is eligible for workers compensation. The laws also established that the injury or illness must take place “within the scope of the employment, ” meaning the worker must be on the clock at the time of the incident.

It is already well known that workers compensation does not cover the ride to and from work. If you get in a car accident in the morning, going from home to your office, you are generally not eligible for this insurance. However, if you are driving the company car, an argument could be made that you were on the employer’s property at the time of the accident, and therefore eligible for workers comp. You should discuss this possibility with your St. Louis auto accident attorney.

If, however, you were in the car driving within the scope of your employment, then you’re most likely eligible for workers compensation. Many jobs require employees to work on the field, and the drive to and from the field is considered part of the job. For instance, social workers often have to visit people directly in their home, and by driving to these homes they are essentially performing work activities.

Your Fault Will Be Analyzed

In certain cases, the employer’s insurance will not cover the accident sustained in the company car. For instance, if the accident was caused by your own negligence, or you were committing a crime at the time of the collision, the employer may refuse to pay for your mistakes. And legally, they have the right to.

These cases are often very difficult to try because the slightest details can completely change the outcome. Because of this, it is in your best interest to contact a St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible to see what your legal options are.

They can tell you if your employer must cover the accident, or if you should file a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance to get compensation for your pain and suffering. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.