Whether making deliveries, driving to a work site, responding to an emergency or transporting products across the country, many Ohio citizens drive as a part of their daily tasks in the workplace. However, after a crash, these workers face many questions. How will they recover from this accident? How long will they be away from work? Can they receive benefits, or will they face the aftermath of this injury on their own?
How common are workplace car accidents?
Unfortunately, car accidents related to work are very common. The CDC reports that car crashes are the most common cause of work-related deaths in the United States, ranking first or second in every major industry. Nearly a third of police officers who passed away in the line of duty between 2005 and 2016, for example, passed away as a result of a crash.
Even if they are not fatal, these injuries can cost victims an average of $65,000.
Are workers eligible for workers’ compensation after a work-related crash?
Luckily, Ohio’s workers’ compensation law allows injured workers to apply for benefits for injuries “sustained in the course of and arising out of employment.” This includes injuries sustained in a crash when driving for work. Work-related travel can include:
- On-site driving to move maintenance supplies
- Driving to another location for a meeting, tour or other work-related activity
- Running work-related errands like picking up supplies
- Work-related travel like driving to a conference
- Making deliveries
If you or a loved one suffered an accident while driving for work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to offset the cost of medical care after the crash. By applying for these benefits, you can get the financial support you need to get back to health, back to work and back on the road.