Work-Related Car Accident Injury Attorneys in St. Louis, MO

The primary difference between work-related car accidents and those occurring outside of working hours is the option of workers' compensation.

With a non-work-related car accident, determining liability is important for establishing compensation. Under workers' compensation, coverage for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages can still be recouped if the victim was responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember, though, that choosing workers' comp may limit your ability to seek full compensation. Talking to an attorney before you file is always a good idea.

Contact your employer immediately following a work-related car accident. They will likely want to start working with insurance right away to address damages. However, when talking to your employer, do not admit fault or sign anything waiving your rights.

Although your employer may want to file paperwork immediately, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. If workers' comp is the right avenue, an attorney can help you file to guard against denial. If it is not, they can still help you understand all of your options.

In Illinois, you must file a workers' compensation claim within three years of an accident. In Missouri, you have two years to file.

For personal injury cases, you have two years in Illinois and five in Missouri to file your claim. It is never a good idea to wait, however. When you are injured in any accident, the sooner you file a claim, the higher your chances of a preferable outcome.

When you work with an attorney, they will negotiate on your behalf. This starts with a simple demand for compensation and often ends during mediation before the claim goes to trial (if no agreement can be reached).

Most cases are resolved during mediation. However, at Brown & Brown, we prepare every claim for the eventuality of a trial to ensure we fully serve our clients.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation accidents account for the largest number of serious and fatal injuries sustained at work.

While much less common than accidents involving motorists who are off the clock, thousands of work-related car accidents happen yearly. 

When these kinds of accidents occur, it is important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you determine if workers' compensation, a personal injury claim, or another option will best meet your needs.

Several types of negligence can cause work-related car accidents and be grounds for filing a lawsuit. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Another driver failing to obey traffic laws (e.g., driving while intoxicated, speeding, or failing to yield right-of-way).
• Another driver falling asleep while driving or failing to pay attention to the road.
• A vehicle equipment manufacturer installing faulty parts in a vehicle.
• A city or any party that fails to maintain the roadways.

Individuals who are most likely to be involved in work-related car accidents caused by negligence include:

• Food delivery drivers
• Taxi drivers
• Bus drivers
• Mail carrier drivers
• Commercial truck drivers

If you were at fault in a work-related car accident in St. Louis or Illinois, your chances of receiving compensation depend on the circumstances.

Missouri and Illinois both follow at-fault insurance systems. This means your liability insurance may cover damages for the other driver. However, if you were driving as part of your job duties, your employer's commercial insurance could also be responsible for covering damages.

For injuries, workers' compensation usually provides medical benefits and wage replacement, regardless of fault, as long as you were performing work-related tasks. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaging in reckless behavior, though, your claim might be denied. 

If you were using your personal vehicle for work-related duties, such as making deliveries or traveling between job sites, you might still qualify for workers' compensation in Missouri or Illinois. Workers' compensation applies as long as you were performing job duties, regardless of the vehicle you were driving.

However, your personal auto insurance is typically the primary coverage for property damage or liability claims. Some employers have commercial auto policies that cover employees using personal vehicles for work. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance may also cover your losses.

If you were commuting to or from work, the accident might not be considered work-related unless you were on a special assignment.

In Missouri and Illinois, independent contractors generally do not qualify for workers' compensation benefits because they are not classified as employees. However, independent contractors injured in work-related car accidents may have other options for financial recovery.

If another driver was responsible for the accident, you could potentially file a personal injury claim against their insurance to recover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Additionally, you might be eligible for compensation if your contract includes coverage through the hiring company's insurance policy.

In cases where a defective vehicle or hazardous road conditions contributed to the crash, you could also have a legal claim against a manufacturer or government entity.

You may be eligible for lost wage reimbursement after a work-related car accident in St. Louis or Illinois.

If you were hurt while performing job-related tasks, workers' compensation will likely cover a portion of your lost wages through temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. In Missouri, this typically amounts to 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Illinois follows a similar structure.

Say a third party, such as another driver, caused the accident. You could also file a personal injury claim to recover full lost wages, including potential future earnings.

Brown & Brown, LLP has been a trusted advocate in St. Louis and nearby Illinois for decades. Founded by brothers Dan and Ed Brown, the firm helps clients navigate the challenges of personal injury cases, including work-related car accidents.

With a strong track record of success, Brown & Brown fights for the full compensation clients deserve. The team provides personalized attention and ensures every case gets the focus it needs. If you can't visit their office, they will come to you – at home, in the hospital, or wherever is most convenient.