If you are involved in a car accident while working, you may have a claim against the at-fault driver as well as a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits. As a car accident lawyer who also specializes in Workers’ Compensation, here are five tips to keep in mind:
1. Notify police or highway patrol immediately.
The Florida Workers’ Compensation system is a essentially “no-fault” system, but it is important to contact the authorities to document the crash.
2. Contact your employer or supervisor.
Contact and advise your employer or supervisor of the accident. Although an employee has 30 days in which to notify his or her employer of an injury, it is best to notify an employer representative as soon as possible.
3. Go see a doctor.
Request to see a physician and go to the doctor selected by your employer or your employer’s Workers Compensation insurance company. In most cases, the Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier has the right to choose the initial health care provider you will see.
4. File the paperwork.
Provide any work restriction notes written by your physician to your employer and request a light duty position when cleared to return to work by your doctor. Failure to provide this information to your employer and return to available light duty may jeopardize your right to temporary lost wage benefits.
5. Consult with an lawyer.
A lawyer who actively handles both car accident and Workers’ Compensation cases can better understand your rights and obligations in this complicated and specialized area of practice. Your attorney should have knowledge and experience in both fields in order to ensure that you are receiving all of the benefits and compensation that you are legally entitled to.
At Michles & Booth, we specialize in personal injury cases, like car accidents and workers’ compensation. If you’ve been involved in an accident and would like to talk to someone about what your options are, don’t hesitate to give us a call for a free consultation – (800) 848-6168
