Colorado’s transportation and delivery workers face various risks daily, from challenging weather conditions to unpredictable drivers. These on-the-job hazards can lead to accidents that have a negative impact on their well-being. If you are a transportation or delivery worker in Colorado, it is crucial to know your rights. This is because those involved in work-related accidents may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This article provides you with essential information about workers’ compensation tailored to Colorado’s regulations. Read on to learn more.
What Types of Transportation Accidents Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
It is vital to know that commuting to and from your workplace generally does not fall under the purview of workers’ compensation. If you are involved in an accident during your daily commute, you will typically need to rely on your auto insurance policies to address your losses. There may also be circumstances where you can consider pursuing a car accident lawsuit.
For workers’ compensation purposes in Colorado, eligible transportation accidents are typically those directly related to your job. Here are examples of work-related transportation accidents that may qualify:
Rear-end collision: Picture this: You are a moving van driver, and while transporting a client’s belongings to their new home, another motorist fails to stop in time and rear-ends your van. In this case, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as the accident happened while working.
Inter-site transportation: Suppose you work as a construction laborer. As part of your job, you are frequently required to move between different construction sites. While traveling to your next worksite, your vehicle is involved in a collision with another car. Since this accident occurred while you were in transit between work locations, it may qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits.
Third-party scenarios: You are a delivery driver responsible for transporting goods across Colorado. While delivering to a rural area, you encounter a wild animal along the highway. The animal enters the road, causing a collision that results in injuries to you and damages to your vehicle. Given that this incident occurred during your employment as a delivery driver, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
What Accident-Related Damages Will a Workers’ Compensation Claim Cover?
Medical expenses: When you experience an accident on the job, workers’ compensation should provide comprehensive coverage for your medical expenses. This includes costs associated with diagnostic imaging, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation.
Income loss: In cases where your injuries prevent you from working, workers’ compensation benefits typically provide a percentage of your lost income. This partial wage replacement is meant to assist you financially while you recover from your injuries and are unable to work. Keep in mind that the replacement amount varies depending on the severity of your disability.
Disability benefits: If your accident-related injuries result in a disability that affects your ability to work, workers’ compensation benefits may encompass additional compensation. The amount you receive as disability benefits often corresponds to the cost associated with your specific disability. This includes lost income due to your diminished earning capacity.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Work-Related Transportation Accident
In some cases, you may have the option to pursue a lawsuit for a work-related transportation accident. If you have been involved in such an accident, there are various parties that could potentially be held liable for the damages you have incurred.
Negligent motorist: If the accident was caused by the negligence of another motorist, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against that driver.
Vehicle or part manufacturer: In cases where a defect in your vehicle or a specific part contributed to the accident, you might consider legal action against the manufacturer.
Municipality responsibility: Dangerous road conditions, poorly maintained streets, or inadequate signage can also be factors in accidents. If a municipality or government entity is responsible for maintaining safe roadways and fails to do so, they may be liable.
Contact Us Today for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net, providing coverage for medical expenses, income loss, disability benefits, and even job retraining if needed. This critical support can make all the difference in your recovery and your ability to return to work after an accident.
If you have experienced a work-related transportation accident in Colorado and have questions about your rights or need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Law Offices of W. Dan Mahoney, P.C. We are here to help!
