AUTO ACCIDENTS AT WORK ATTORNEYS IN BILLINGS, MONTANA

People spend an abundance of time in vehicles during a single lifetime, driving not only to and from work but also to work-related events. Accidents while driving to work or a work-related event are common, and you must understand the process to receive the compensation you deserve. Our team at Gerstner Adam Law is committed to helping our clients seek the answers and compensation they deserve.

With our experience as workers’ compensation attorneys and personal injury attorneys and our backgrounds in state and federal courts, as well as our passion for protecting the rights of victims, we can help investigate your situation and advise you of your options. Our firm proudly represents clients in Glendive, Miles City, Sidney, and Billings, Montana.

AUTO ACCIDENTS AT WORK

If you were in an auto accident while at work, you probably suffered injuries that require medical attention – and therefore, bills start adding up fast. You also may have to pay for vehicle repairs to your personal vehicle. These costs can add up quickly.

LIABILITY

You must determine who is liable, or responsible, for the costs caused by an accident that took place while you were driving for work. Determining liability affects your ability to secure compensation.

DETERMINE WHO IS LIABLE

If you are in an accident while driving somewhere for work, your employer may be liable if you were on the clock. Speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney and personal injury attorney who has the knowledge to determine how the law applies in your unique situation.

However, if you left your home and were driving to work or a work-related event, and were involved in an accident, you will be liable. Similarly, if you were leaving work or a work-related event and driving back home, your costs most likely will not be covered by your employer.

In some instances, it can be difficult to identify who is liable. For example, if you are working as a contractor, and not directly employed by the company you were doing the work for, it is hard to examine who is liable for the costs of the accident. Speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to discover your best course of action.

UNDERSTANDING THE CATASTROPHICALLY INJURED WORKER’S TRAVEL ASSISTANCE ACT

In Montana, the Catastrophically Injured Worker’s Travel Assistance Act takes the initiative to help employees when involved in a car accident while on the job. An individual is “catastrophically injured” if there is a physical injury or occupational disease that...

1. Requires inpatient care for at least 21 consecutive days in a hospital or rehabilitation center located in Montana but is more than 100 miles from the worker’s home.

2. Requires inpatient care for at least 21 consecutive days in a hospital or rehabilitation center outside of Montana.

3. Inpatient care happens within 90 days of the accident or the events that cause the worker to be catastrophically injured.

The purpose of the act is to provide funds to catastrophically injured workers to help both the worker and families (or an individual) with the costs of the travel and lodging that must be paid during the worker’s inpatient stay.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Workers’ compensation law protects employees in several different scenarios. You may have suffered from a knee injury, fracture, muscle tear, or any other serious injury while you were on the job. You will have to deal with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company as you seek financial benefits for the costs created by the injury.

HOW AN ATTORNEY CAN HELP

Dealing with insurance companies can be extremely difficult. While the insurance representative may seem friendly on the phone, the representative is working to protect the insurance company’s best interests – and not yours. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the process of building your case and filing your claim.