In Illinois, just as in every other state, thousands of people are injured in car accidents each year. Many of those auto accidents occur while people are at work. If you were hurt in a car accident while working or while traveling for your job, you must consult a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer who is able to assist you.

We will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the accident and explore avenues to get you the full and fair compensation that you deserve. At Therman Law, our Chicago car accident on the job lawyer is firmly dedicated to helping car crash victims navigate the complex legal process, so be sure to Choose Charlie.

Workers’ Compensation for Car Accidents While Working

Under Illinois law, employers are required to compensate injured workers for job-related injuries. As a result, an individual who sustains injuries in a work-related car accident can typically seek medical expenses, lost wages, and other types of workers’ compensation benefits, provided that the person was driving as part of his or her job.

In other words, if the car accident took place while the worker was acting within the scope of his or her employment, that worker will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if you got into a car accident on the way to the bank to deposit a check for your boss, you would likely be covered.

Another example in which a worker would likely be covered is if the work required him or her to travel between multiple job sites. A Chicago personal injury lawyer will be able to assist with your legal claim.

The “Going and Coming” Rule

The “going and coming” rule is an exception to the typical rule that workers are eligible for benefits for work-related injuries. Normally, workers are not able to recover benefits for injuries and losses suffered while going to and coming from work.

Put another way, if a worker is involved in a car crash on the way to or returning from work, he or she is generally not covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

The rationale behind this rule is that a worker commuting to or from work is not considered to be acting within the scope of employment, and thus, workers’ compensation would not apply.

In addition, once an employee has clocked out for the day, the employer has no control over his or her actions and should not be financially responsible for an accident completely unrelated to the employee’s work.

If you have been injured while traveling to or from work, however, you should still consult an attorney because there are limited exceptions to the going and coming rule that may be applicable in your case. Talk to the team at Therman Law today.

Third-Party Claims Based on Car Accidents While Working

In general, accidents while driving to and from work are not covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. For example, if someone runs a stop sign (accidents involving stop sign violations) in Wheaton or Schaumburg and crashes into you on your way to work, that would not be covered by workers’ compensation.

You could, however, file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits arise from negligence. Negligence is a common-law cause of action recognized by Illinois courts.

In order to prove negligence, the plaintiff bears the burden of establishing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to use reasonable care, the defendant breached the duty of care owed to the plaintiff, the defendant’s breach was a direct and proximate cause of the accident, and the plaintiff suffered quantifiable damages as a result.

Common Injuries in a Car Accident While at Work

Car accidents can be devastating accidents, often resulting in serious loss of life and complications to health and well-being. No matter what happens in your case, be sure to seek medical care and support. This is particularly important in situations where you have injuries such as:

Traumatic brain injuries: Any type of head injury can cause serious brain damage, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can create mobility loss for victims. This can include full or partial loss of mobility as well as chronic pain development.
Lacerations and wounds: Victims of a car accident may struggle with lacerations that lead to infections and scarring.
Broken bones: Car accidents at work could lead to the onset of complications to movement and pain if broken bones do not heal properly.
Internal organ injuries: Some of the most complex injuries are those related to internal organ damage or bleeding. These can be life-threatening.

Documenting all your injuries is crucial for successful workers’ compensation claims. The more accurate and thorough you are, the more likely it is that you will be able to recover fair damages in your accident. Your car accident on the job lawyer in Chicago will guide you through this process.

Losing a Loved One in a Car Accident in Workers’ Compensation Related Accidents

In the event that an employee is killed as a result of a fatal car accident, the surviving family members may be able to seek death benefits through 820 ILCS 305 of the Workers’ Compensation Act, as well as wrongful death damages through a lawsuit in civil court under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act in 740 ILCS 180/1.

These options are designed to allow the surviving family members to keep their finances intact to the extent possible after the unexpected death of their loved one.

Workers’ compensation pays for lost time at work and medical bills, but that may not be enough. In some situations, serious injuries impact one’s ability to live and engage in meaningful work.

By working with a Chicago car accident on-the-job lawyer, one can explore other potential avenues for compensation.

Complexity of mental health complications: Do not overlook the impact on mental health after a car accident like this. It can cause the onset of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Third-party involvement: It is very common for third parties who may be responsible for your accident to fail to take action for their responsibility. Let your attorney work to minimize this risk by providing you with hands-on support uncovering all parties responsible.
Quality of life and pain and suffering: Under workers’ compensation claims, you may not be able to pursue these or other types of economic losses, but your attorney will help you analyze the situation fully so you can fully understand your rights in these accidents.

By hiring an attorney, you learn what all of your losses are, and you can build a stronger case to support your long-term recovery. Do not wait to get the legal guidance you need if you are hurt in a car accident while working.

It could play a role in your ability to recover damages fairly and to start rebuilding your health and well-being over time.

Trusted Car Accident on the Job Attorney in Chicago Can Help You

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash while working, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you figure out your next steps. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits or seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

At Therman Law, we are here to help you through the process of recovery so that you can put the accident behind you and move on with your life.

We represent people in communities such as Wheaton, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Bloomingdale, Roselle, and Carol Stream. For more information, call our Chicago car accident on the job lawyer.