Vehicle Crashes in the Workplace
Posted on June 27th, 2018 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Vehicle accidents are one of the most common types of workplace accidents and can result in serious injuries. The collisions can involve several types of vehicles, including passenger cars, delivery trucks and farm equipment. If you were hurt while driving a vehicle for work purposes, you may be entitled to compensation. It may be wise to talk to a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer about your case.
What Workers Are At Risk of Vehicle Accidents?
Professions that involve transporting goods or people by vehicle present an accident risk. Taxi drivers, police officers, truck drivers, laborers, sales people and construction workers are just some workers who have a higher risk of getting into a vehicle crash at work.
What Types of Injuries Can Result from Vehicle Accidents?
There are a wide range of injuries that can result from workplace vehicle accidents and some of them can be life-threatening. Here is a closer look:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Workers who hit their head on the windshield or somewhere else during a vehicle accident risk developing traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can be very serious and require surgery, physical therapy and other extensive treatments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Vehicle accidents can also sudden blows to the spine, which can severely damage the vertebrae. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include loss of ability to move body parts, difficulty breathing, intense pain and loss of feeling. Severe spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disability.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones are another common injury that results from workplace vehicle accidents. While rarely life threatening, broken bones can cause severe pain and may even require surgery.
- Lacerations: If objects inside the vehicle, such as coffee cups or phones, hit workers during an accident, they can suffer lacerations. Lacerations might not seem as serious as the other injuries, but they can get infected and lead to permanent scarring if not treated promptly.
What Are Causes of Workplace Vehicle Accidents?
Workplace accidents are caused by a number of factors, including:
- Lack of Sleep: If a worker has not been getting a lot of sleep and gets behind the wheel at work, he or she may not be able to focus on the road and get into an accident.
- Distractions: Workers who are not completely focused on the road because they are look at their smartphones or distracted in some other way risk getting into an accident.
- Alcohol and Drugs: Unfortunately, some workers choose to use alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel at work and endangers their lives and other people’s lives.
- Speeding: Workers who drive above the speed limit won’t have as good of reactions times and can get into collisions with other vehicles.
A work injury lawyer from Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. will meet and evaluate your case and then provide you with the legal options you may have.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
