For workers injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are essential for covering medical bills and providing income during recovery. In Connecticut, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to ensure employees are supported in case of a work-related injury.

However, navigating workers’ compensation claims, especially in cases involving auto accidents, can be complex. The laws surrounding job-related accidents contain various nuances, leaving many injured workers unsure whether they qualify for benefits.

In the following sections, we outline when Connecticut workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after an auto accident, as well as key considerations if your claim is denied or if you’re thinking about filing a third-party personal injury claim.

Personal Injury Claims vs. Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you might be eligible for both workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim. While workers’ compensation provides benefits for work-related injuries, a personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for damages caused by the other driver’s negligence. The two types of claims differ in several key ways.

Filing Process

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you typically follow the procedures set out by state law. This usually involves notifying your employer and filing the claim with the state agency or workers’ compensation board. A personal injury lawsuit, however, is filed in the civil court system, with the claim directed toward the at-fault driver or their insurance provider.

Types of Compensation

The main difference between the two claims lies in the types of damages you can recover. Workers’ compensation primarily covers medical expenses and lost wages but does not compensate for pain and suffering. In contrast, personal injury claims can offer compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Filing Deadlines

For workers’ compensation claims, there’s a set timeline in which you must notify your employer of the injury (usually within a few days) and then file the claim, with deadlines typically ranging from one to three years. Personal injury lawsuits have a statute of limitations that varies by state but generally must be filed within one to three years from the date of the accident.

Fault in Claims

Another major difference is the issue of fault. In a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident. However, workers’ compensation does not require you to establish fault; you can usually still collect benefits even if the accident was your fault, as long as the incident happened while you were performing work-related duties and weren’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Both types of claims serve different purposes and offer different benefits. It’s important to understand the distinctions so you can pursue the appropriate legal action.

Here are some scenarios in which you might be eligible for workers’ compensation after a car accident:

1. While Driving for Work Purposes

If you were driving as part of your job (e.g., travelling between job sites, making deliveries, attending a work-related event), you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. This applies whether you are driving a company vehicle or your own vehicle for business purposes.

2. Company Vehicle

If the car accident occurs while you are driving a company vehicle, even if it’s not on a direct business trip, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

3. Traveling During Work Hours

If the accident happens while you are travelling between locations for work (e.g., travelling between your office and a client meeting), it’s typically covered by workers’ compensation.

4. Work-Related Tasks in the Car

If you are doing something related to your job, such as transporting goods or coworkers, and you get into a car accident, this would usually be covered by workers’ compensation.

5. On-the-Job Traffic Accidents

Accidents that occur during the performance of your normal work duties, even if you’re not driving for business, may also be eligible for workers’ compensation. For example, if you are a delivery driver, a salesperson, or a courier, the risk of a traffic accident is inherent to your job.

Stamford Car Accident Lawyers at the Reinken Law Firm

If you have been injured in a car accident, you have the right to claim compensation. Hire the car accident lawyers at The Reinken Law Firm to help you. Call us at (203) 541-0090 for a free consultation. Our office is located in Stamford CT, Bridgeport CT, Greenwich CT and Danbury CT. We are able to fight your case in court and recover the highest compensation possible.