A lot of people in the Fairfax area do not work at a fixed address. Jobs like package delivery, truck driving and plumbing repair require you to spend a lot of time driving from place to place. And the longer you spend driving on public highways and streets, the more likely you are to get into a car accident with a negligent driver.
When you are hurt in a traffic collision while in the course of your work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation under Virginia law. But you might also be able to pursue damages against the dangerous motorist who caused your injuries. In workers’ comp law, this is known as a third-party claim.
Bad drivers should be held responsible for their negligence
The theory behind third-party claims is to hold the party responsible for an injured worker’s damages if that party is not the employer. When it comes to auto wrecks, work-related injuries can be caused by the same types of drivers who endanger everyone else on the road, such as:
- Drunk drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Speeders
- Aggressive drivers or those suffering from road rage
- Traffic law violators
Whether you drive a semi truck, box truck or a small car for a living, you are at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that car crashes are the leading or second-leading cause of death in every major U.S. industry. More often, workers survive their collisions but suffer serious injuries. They may have to stop working for a long time to recover.
That is where a third-party claim might come in. After a work-related car accident, you have the option to pursue a claim against the negligent driver who caused the wreck. This could maximize the amount of compensation you get for your lost income and other damages.