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Car Accident While at Work Portland Lawyers

Car accidents can happen at any time, but when they occur while you are working, they can be particularly devastating.

 

If you have been involved in a work-related car accident, you may be wondering what your options are, where to get guidance, and if you’re due compensation for your injuries and losses.

Car Accidents While at Work:
Your Rights and Options

Car accidents can happen at any time, but when they occur while you are working, they can be particularly devastating. If you have been involved in a work-related car accident, you may be wondering what your options are, where to get guidance, and if you’re due compensation for your injuries and losses. The personal injury attorneys and Bridge City Law have over three decades of experience in car accidents while at work claims. The following information will answer the most common questions we receive and provide you with valuable information to guide you in making informed decisions about your legal rights, options, and possible next steps.

Seek Medical Care Right Away

If you have been injured in a work-related car accident, it is important to be seen by a medical provider as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, getting checked out by a medical professional is a good idea and an important first step if you decide to file a claim. Injuries such as whiplash and concussions may not show symptoms right away but can still have serious long-term effects.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The most common types of injuries that happen as a result of auto accidents include the following:

  • Head trauma/traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Amputation
  • Chest injuries

The Bridge City Law Firm works closely with a network of trusted healthcare providers in the Portland Metro Area and throughout Oregon. We can help connect you with medical professionals who specialize in treating car accident injuries, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists.

We can also assist you in obtaining copies of your medical records and bills, which will be important evidence in your case.

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Contact us today and together we can figure out how we can be of service to you.

Car Accident While at Work Portland Lawyers

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When You’ve Been Injured:

  • We Are Available To You 24/7
  • There is NO FEE OR OBLIGATION for An Initial Consultation
  • You Don’t Pay a Fee Until We Successfully Settle Your Case
  • We Are Experienced, Skilled, Responsive And Have Handled Thousands Of Cases
  • We Take A Compassionate Approach To Personal Injury Law
  • We Know How To Negotiate To Maximize Results

How long after a work accident can you submit a claim?

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident while at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is not denied due to a lack of timely reporting.

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you may also be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The statute of limitations in the state of Oregon for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to note that if you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim, there are certain rules and requirements that you must follow to avoid potential conflicts or issues.

OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS

In Car Accidents While at Work Claims

Can you file a claim for trauma from a car accident?

Yes, if you have suffered emotional trauma as a result of a car accident while at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation for emotional distress. Emotional distress can include symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To claim compensation for emotional distress, you will need to provide evidence that your injuries were caused by the accident while at work and that they have had a significant impact on your life.

Is your employer liable for an employee's car accident?

In general, employers are not held liable for car accidents that occur while an employee is driving to and from work. However, if you were driving as part of your job duties, such as making a delivery or driving a company vehicle, your employer may be liable for any injuries or damages that result from the accident.

It is important to note that Oregon follows a “no-fault” system for workers’ compensation claims, which means that you may be entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if your employer was negligent and contributed to the accident, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim against them.

What is the timeline for settling an accident at work claim?

Settling an accident at work claim varies depending on the circumstances and factors surrounding the accident, including the extent and severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the willingness of the insurance company for the at-fault party to negotiate a fair settlement. In general, workers’ compensation claims in Oregon are resolved within 90 days, but more complex cases may take longer.

Personal injury claims can also take time to settle, particularly if there are disputes over liability or damages. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the complex legal process will help you navigate potential obstacles or challenges.

Is it possible to make a claim for an accident at work that was my fault?

Yes, if you were injured in a work-related car accident that was your fault, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Oregon is a no-fault state, which means that injured employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. However, if you were at fault for the accident, you may not be able to file a personal injury claim against the other driver.

What does an auto accident attorney do?

An experienced auto accident attorney can provide you with valuable legal guidance and representation throughout the complex legal claims process. The accident and injury attorneys at Bridge City Law work together with their legal teams to gather evidence, assess the value of your claim, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Our car accident lawyers can also help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as how to avoid potential pitfalls or obstacles that may arise during the personal injury claims process.

When is an employer not liable for your car accident injuries?

Employers are generally not held liable for car accidents that occur while an employee is commuting to and from work. However, there are some exceptions to this. For example, if an employee was required to use their personal vehicle for work-related purposes and was involved in an accident, the employer may be liable for any resulting injuries or damages. Additionally, if an employer was negligent in their hiring practices or failed to properly maintain their vehicles, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents.

Can employees be responsible for damage to company vehicles?

Yes, employees can be held responsible for damage to company vehicles if it was caused by their own negligence or misconduct. Employers may have policies in place that dictate how employees are expected to use and maintain company vehicles, and failure to adhere to these policies could result in disciplinary action or even termination. If an employee causes damage to a company vehicle, they may be required to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement.

COMPENSATION

What Types of Compensation May I be Due if I Was Involved
in a Car Accident While at Work?

If you were injured in a work-related car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and damages, which can include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

 

  • Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication costs
  • Lost wages and income, and if your injuries prevent you from returning to work, could also include future earning capacity
  • Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disability, including permanent impairments or disfigurement
Oregon Statute of Limitations Circle
Calendar Statute of Limit (1)

To recover compensation for these damages, you will need to file an accident claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier or with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier. Our experienced and skilled auto accident lawyers at Bridge City Law can help you navigate the complex personal injury claims process, gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the insurance company for the at-fault party to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

RECORD KEEPING

A Note About Preserving Evidence

To build a strong case for compensation after a work-related car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This can include:

  • Police reports and accident reports
  • Witness statements and contact information
  • Medical records and bills
  • Photographs of the accident scene and damages to your vehicle
  • Repair estimates and receipts
  • Employment records, including pay stubs and tax returns
  • Any other relevant documents or information related to your case

 

It is also important to keep detailed records of all expenses and losses related to your accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Our attorneys and legal team can help you keep track of these expenses and ensure that they are included in your claim for damages.

  • Police reports and accident reports
  • Witness statements and contact information
  • Medical records and bills
  • Photographs of the accident scene and damages to your vehicle
  • Repair estimates and receipts
  • Employment records, including pay stubs and tax returns
  • Any other relevant documents or information related to your case

 

It is also important to keep detailed records of all expenses and losses related to your accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Our attorneys and legal team can help you keep track of these expenses and ensure that they are included in your claim for damages.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CLIENT CARE

At the Bridge City Law personal injury law firm in Portland, Oregon, we understand the physical challenges, emotional burden, and financial toll that a car accident can have on you and your family.

That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional client care and personalized attention to each of our clients. We care about you and your claim and will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses, and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

Our team of compassionate car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys has a 35-year proven track record of success in helping accident victims in Oregon. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on even the most complex cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.

We also understand the financial strain that a car accident can put on individuals and families. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis, which means that we are not paid until we successfully settle your case.

If you have found your way to this webpage because you or a family member have been injured in a work-related car accident, we’re here to help.

When you meet with the personal injury lawyers at our firm, we will listen carefully to your story about the accident, make sure we answer your questions, and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. At Bridge City Law, we are committed to helping victims of auto accidents while at work get the legal guidance and support needed, so they can focus on recovering from their injuries and move forward with their lives. We’ll take care of your legal needs and guide you through the complexities of the personal injury claims process to ensure you have the best possible outcome for your case.

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