Vehicle accidents

Whether driving a commercial truck, operating a construction vehicle, or making deliveries for an employer, workers who rely on vehicles as part of their job face significant risks on the road, and vehicle accidents are unfortunately common. Collisions, rollovers, equipment malfunctions, and other vehicle-related incidents can result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and even fatalities. When a vehicle accident occurs during the course of employment, Maryland law grants injured workers the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to help with medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, insurance companies and employers often attempt to deny or minimize claims, making it crucial for injured workers to have skilled legal representation. If you were hurt in a vehicle accident while working, the assertive Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can inform you of your rights and aid you in seeking any benefits you may be owed.

Vehicle accidents can happen in various work settings, including transportation, construction, and delivery services. Workers who operate trucks, vans, forklifts, or heavy machinery are at constant risk of accidents caused by reckless drivers, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, or unsafe work environments. These incidents often result in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, internal bleeding, and burns. In some cases, workers may sustain life-altering conditions that prevent them from returning to their previous jobs or require extensive medical treatment.

Maryland law allows employees injured in work-related vehicle accidents to pursue workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. To qualify, the accident must arise out of and in the course of employment, which means that the worker must have been engaged in job-related duties at the time of the accident, such as making deliveries, transporting goods, or operating heavy machinery on a worksite. The worker must be a employee as well, which means that independent contractors and other workers who are not considered employees generally cannot recover such benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits for vehicle accidents include coverage for medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability compensation. Medical benefits encompass emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment such as wheelchairs or prosthetics. Injured workers are entitled to continued medical treatment until they reach maximum medical improvement, ensuring they receive the necessary care to recover fully or adapt to long-term impairments.

Disability benefits offer financial support for injured employees who cannot work due to their injuries. Temporary total disability benefits compensate workers who cannot perform any job duties during their recovery period, typically providing two-thirds of their average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability benefits assist employees who can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than they did before the accident. In cases of long-term impairments, permanent partial disability benefits are available for those who suffer lasting physical damage but can still perform some type of work. Permanent total disability benefits are awarded to workers whose injuries prevent them from engaging in any gainful employment, ensuring continued financial stability. If a vehicle accident results in a worker’s death, dependents may receive death benefits, which help cover funeral costs and provide ongoing financial assistance to surviving family members.

Vehicle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, prolonged recovery periods, and financial instability, but when they happen during work-related activities, they may be grounds for recovering workers’ compensation benefits. If you were involved in a vehicle accident while working, it is smart to meet with an attorney to evaluate your options. The knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., understand the complexities of claims arising out of vehicle accidents, and we can gather the evidence needed to help you seek a favorable outcome. Our firm is based in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we proudly serve injured workers in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.