While construction sites present numerous safety risks for workers in all trades, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction sites aren’t actually the most dangerous places for construction workers. Based on OSHA’s statistics, highway collisions account for more construction worker deaths than even the most common causes of construction site accidents and fatalities. As Denver workers compensation attorneys, we can attest that we frequently hear from construction workers and family members who need help recovering just compensation for on-the-job vehicle collisions.
Construction Workers and Families Seeking Compensation for Vehicle Collisions are Not Limited to Workers’ Compensation
It is a common misconception that employees (and their families) are limited to seeking workers’ compensation benefits for job-related accidents. While workers’ compensation benefits may be available, injured workers and families who have lost loved ones will often be able to seek additional compensation as well. This is particularly true with regard to auto accidents, where the at-fault driver’s insurance company is required to cover victims’ medical expenses and other losses.
4 Tips for Recovering Compensation After an On-the-Job Vehicle Collision
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a work-related auto accident, there are some steps you should try to take as soon as possible. While not necessarily essential, taking these steps promptly will help improve your chances of quickly securing a full financial recovery:
1. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
After any type of accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Auto accidents can cause serious internal injuries, and the effects of these injuries may not be apparent right away. If you will be seeking workers’ compensation benefits in addition to filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you will need to see a doctor who has been pre-approved by your employer before you file a claim for benefits.
2. Report the Accident to Your (or Your Loved One’s) Employer
It is generally a good idea to report any work-related accident to your employer as soon as possible. This will help protect your claim for workers’ compensation benefits (if you have one), and it could assist with proving your personal injury or wrongful death claim as well.
3. Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Companies
After serious auto accidents, the insurance companies will try to quickly settle victims’ claims for as little as possible. In order to do this, they will frequently try to use victims’ own words against them. As a result, once you file your claim, you should let your lawyer deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
4. Speak with a Lawyer Right Away
Due to the various complex issues involved, when dealing with a work-related auto accident, it is important to engage the services of an experienced lawyer promptly. There are several other steps that need to be taken as soon as possible, and hiring a lawyer is the best way to protect you and your family’s legal rights.
Contact Us 24/7 to Speak With One of Our Denver Workers Compensation Attorney for Free
For more information about seeking financial compensation for a work-related auto accident, please contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. To speak with a Denver workers compensation attorney at our Denver law offices as soon as possible, call 303-333-8000 or tell us how to reach you online now.
