While the majority of vehicle and transportation accidents in New York and the rest of the United States involve passenger vehicles, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2013, fatal transportation incidents accounted for two out of every five fatal work injuries. Workers in agriculture, construction, forestry, trucking and more are all at risk of being involved in a dangerous accident involving a vehicle.
If you’re a victim of a vehicle accident while on the job, then contact our New York lawyers about car accidents while working. We’ll go over your case and help you pursue compensation from all available sources.
Types of Car Accidents While Working
A vehicle accident can involve any type of motorized machine used to transport goods, materials or people. While the most common types of vehicles are cars and trucks, other types of workplace vehicles can be equally dangerous. For example, tractor overturn occurrences accounted for 13 percent of fatal transportation incidents in 2013. Aircraft accidents accounted for 8 percent of total fatal transportation incidents in 2013.
In addition to aircraft and tractors, vehicles used for construction can be dangerous and deadly. Lift trucks and cranes are also vehicles that may be involved in workplace accidents. Truck drivers and other drivers who are responsible for transporting goods are at an obvious risk of being involved in workplace vehicle accidents because they perform the majority of their job duties behind the wheel.
Many other workplace transportation accidents involve pedestrians who are struck by vehicles. These might occur in construction zones, for example, though they can occur in other settings as well.
The Dangers of a Vehicle Accident at Work
A vehicle accident can leave a worker severely injured. Injuries depend upon the type of vehicle involved, the speed at which the vehicle was traveling and more. A worker may sustain broken bones, spinal cord damage, lacerations and cuts, a minor head injury or a traumatic head injury, or death.
Often, the injuries sustained as a result of a workplace vehicle accident are serious and may leave the worker with permanent disabilities, preventing him or her from returning to work. If you’ve been seriously injured and are wondering how you will afford your medical bills or return to work, filing a claim for workers’ compensation can help you reclaim the benefits to which you’re entitled.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits & Other Legal Action for a Workplace Vehicle Accident
Our New York attorneys for car accidents while working can help file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits. In order to do so, you first must inform your employer of the accident as soon as possible and then complete an employee claim. If you lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you can file for death benefits using a separate form. Failing to file a workers’ compensation claim may forfeit your right to benefits and medical care.
In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to file a personal injury claim if your vehicle accident involved a third party. For example, if you’re a construction worker who was hit by a non-workplace vehicle in a construction work zone, then the driver of that vehicle may be liable for your injuries. Similarly, if another driver struck you while driving for work – such as to pick up office supplies, for example – then that driver may be liable for your damages.
How Gacovino & Lake Can Help You
Knowing which type of claim to file, as well as who is liable for your injuries, can be difficult without a thorough understanding of workers’ compensation and personal injury law. In order to help you through the process of recovering benefits, the New York lawyers for car accidents while working at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., can provide you with the legal know-how you need. To speak with one of our lawyers today, call us now at 800-500-0000.
