Find a Lawyer by Practice
Find a Lawyer by Location
By Practice
By Location
This video features Rebecca K. Halberg, a Workers' Compensation attorney based in Georgia.
Rebecca Halberg:
If you are involved in a work accident or what you believe to be a work accident while driving, number one, call 911.
Tom Mustin:
If you're working and are injured in a car accident, what rights do you have? We're gonna talk to attorney Rebecca Halberg about that on today's Ask The Lawyer. Rebecca, thanks for joining us.
Rebecca Halberg:
Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
Tom Mustin:
Great to have you. So if a worker gets into a car accident while on the job and is driving a company car, what should they do?
Rebecca Halberg:
That would definitely, or actually, most likely be covered by workers' compensation. So if an employee is out driving either a company car or running a work errand, they should first call 911, and then they need to notify their employer of the accident.
Tom Mustin:
So if the person was injured, are they entitled to workers' comp in Georgia? And kinda walk us through what that process is like.
Rebecca Halberg:
Yeah. Absolutely. So if you're out driving a company car and involved in a work accident, even if it's your fault, it is covered by workers' compensation. So you would notify your employer of your injuries, and in Georgia, your employer would give you a list of doctors to choose from, and you could begin your treatment.
Tom Mustin:
So what if you're injured while on the job, but you're not driving a company car, you're driving your own personal vehicle? Does that change anything there?
Rebecca Halberg:
It does. So there are some exceptions to the... It's called the going and coming rules. So there are some cases that are covered when you're driving to or from work, if you are in your own vehicle. So I tell everybody, If you're injured driving to or from work and you're not sure if it's covered by workers' comp, just call a lawyer, because we know... We can kinda get into the nitty-gritty and figure out if it's related or not.
Tom Mustin:
Okay. So does fault matter in these situations? Would you still get workers' comp if you're at fault here in the accident?
Rebecca Halberg:
Fault does not matter for workers' compensation purposes. And so as long as your work is that... The drive was related to work or you were operating a company vehicle, it would be covered by workers' compensation, regardless of fault.
Tom Mustin:
Okay. So having said that, is there... Are there any additional claims you could follow if the accident was the fault of the other driver?
Rebecca Halberg:
Absolutely. So if the other driver caused the accident, you may have a, what we call, a third-party case against the at-fault driver. And in some circumstances, if the at-fault driver was either driving the... A company car themselves or acting as well on behalf of their employer, you may have a claim against their employer.
Tom Mustin:
So the bottom line is what, Rebecca?
Rebecca Halberg:
Bottom line, if you are involved in a work accident or what you believe to be a work accident while driving, number one, call 911. Number two, notify your employer. If you're medically able, take pictures of your vehicle and the other vehicle, and then seek medical treatment.
Tom Mustin:
Well, fantastic information. Great job. We appreciate you joining us. Thanks, Rebecca.
Rebecca Halberg:
Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
Tom Mustin:
And that's gonna do it for this episode of Ask The Lawyer. My guest has been Rebecca Halberg. If you wanna ask her about your situation, call the number you see on the screen. Thanks for watching. I'm Tom Mustin for Ask The Lawyers.
Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.
© 1999-2024 AskTheLawyers.com™
Legal Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Information entered on this website is not confidential. This website has paid attorney advertising. Anyone choosing a lawyer must do their own independent research. By using this website, you agree to our additional Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Your question
has been sent!