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Who Is Responsible for a Work-Related Car Accident?

Posted on June 28, 2021 in

Car accidents can happen in any place, at any time—even on the job. Whether you have to drive a vehicle regularly or while performing work-related errands, you can sustain serious injuries in collisions with a negligent driver. Unlike other types of car accidents, collisions that occur while you are performing your work duties require additional considerations.

Who Is Responsible for a Work-Related Car Accident?

Workers’ Compensation After a Job-Related Car Accident

Under Oregon law, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. A few industries are exempt from this rule, including domestic servants, some firefighters and police officers, and most shipping, railway, and airline workers.

If you are injured while driving a vehicle for work and your employer offers this coverage, you can file a claim to recover compensation for medical expenses and disability benefits. You are eligible to file this claim regardless of fault.

To file a workers’ compensation claim in Oregon, you will need to take the following steps.

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible and notify your doctor that you sustained the injury at work. Save your medical records; this documentation will be important in your future claim.
  • Notify your employer of your injury and complete the required forms from your medical provider. Your employer will then file a claim with his or her workers’ compensation insurer within five days.
  • Contact a car accident attorney in Portland as soon as possible to complete the required next steps. You may need to provide evidence of your injury and enter an appeal if the insurer denies your claim. In this situation, your attorney can advocate for your best interests and fight for your right to recovery.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against an Employer After a Car Accident?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim typically prevents you from filing a lawsuit against your employer over the same accident. Unless someone else other than your employer is responsible for your collision, filing a workers’ compensation claim is usually your only avenue to recovery. If you are unsure which option is right for you, speak with your attorney.

Filing a Car Accident Claim Against a Third-Party

If your car accident was caused by another person or entity’s negligence, you may have grounds for legal action. Although a workers’ compensation claim may prevent you from pursuing a lawsuit against your employer, you could hold a third party liable through a personal injury claim in Oregon civil court.

For example, if another driver who is not employed by your company caused your accident, you can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. If your accident was caused by a defective part or a vehicle defect, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective item.

Contact an Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

If you are in a work-related car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your collision, you could file a lawsuit against a third party or a workers’ compensation claim against your employer. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side.

As soon as possible following your collision, speak to an Oregon car accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you identify your optimal path to recovery and represent you in your claim, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Justin Vieth
Justin Vieth
1692118893
Shimmeri Selph
Shimmeri Selph
1691385552
Don't waste your time.
Alan Rogers
Alan Rogers
1691175931
Thanks Aaron, we truly appreciate everything you have done for us.I know that I was a handful early on, but you handled it with a deft touch and ultimately proved yourself to be a great advocate for our family none the less.Thanks so much Bud!You have my eternal respect and gratitude.
Tim Cheredayko
Tim Cheredayko
1689376069
Tillmann helped me out a lot! Going over ever detail with the case from both sides and always informing me what is going to happen through out the case. Definitely recommend Tillmann Law!
A B
A B
1689034229
Rude. Classist. The receptionist needs some manners. Actually hung up when told was a low income family.
Justin W
Justin W
1688167505
I had the pleasure of working with Aaron and his team over the course of the last year. They were very professional and responsive. Dealing with injuries can be dreadful, but Aaron made it as painless as possible. I highly recommend.
Bonnie Thorn
Bonnie Thorn
1686939262
Aaron Tillmann and his entire staff were professional, empathetic and very knowledgeable. They assisted our family at a time when we were grieving the loss of our son with compassion and respect.
Tina Rutledge
Tina Rutledge
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Arisbet Bustos
Arisbet Bustos
1682535580
I am very grateful and pleased with the services of Lawyer Aaron and his team work, especially Julia, who was always attentive to my concerns and resolved my doubts with a good attitude and empathy, and best of all, she speaks Spanish. Thank you so much!!!
Ken Pollett
Ken Pollett
1682394554
I was involved in a serious auto accident. Not that there is a good time to be in any accident, it just happened to be 2020. Tillman Law and support staff kept me in the loop as the court system was disarray with all the Covid issues. The staff was very professional and courteous. In a nutshell, they took care of me.
Jordan Bedrick
Jordan Bedrick
1682367951
My husband was in a bad car accident a few years back, and he was stopped due to traffic. He was behind a fuel truck, and someone rear-ended him, going 60mph. The worst part was our 6 mo old was in our and the truck was totaled beyond repair and my husbands back injured severly he ended up with 2 broken vertebrae. Our child had ptsd any time getting into a vehicle after that. Tillman made this right even though we couldn't do much for our son other comfort him and make car rides more comfortable from there on out Tillman was able to get my husband the money he deserved after the other driver was extremely negligent and either not paying attention or on his phone or something unfortunately this was during covid and when the police came they didnt do a single thing to check for any of that. We can't say enough good things about Aaron Tillman he gave us our hope back and the ability to have back surgery to repair a lot of his back issues due to the car wreck. So if you have been in an accident definitely call Tillman Law they're amazing super professional, kind and empathetic beings who will work for the best possible outcome for your case and fight they won't just roll over and play dead they spent about 2.5 years on my husbands case never giving up. He was always super honest with my husband and always communicated everything. So again, thank you, Aaron Tillman, and thank you to your law firm for working so tirelessly. We appreciate it more than you know.
Cassie Kocker
Cassie Kocker
1679485024
Aaron is great. He is professional and personable which makes you feel cared about during the process. He will provide advice and resources so that the process is smooth and renders positive results. I highly recommend!
Michael Darling (Mike Rich)
Michael Darling (Mike Rich)
1678578656
Still working with them to this day! Great firm great people. Much recommend
Brittany Sloan
Brittany Sloan
1678128693
I can’t recommend Tillman Law enough. We were in a sticky situation from a car accident in December and my partner was out of work for over a month. Aaron told us we may not be able to get those lost wages, but he would definitely try to fight the insurance for them and even then we might not see the money for a long time. It’s only been 3 1/2 months since the accident and we just got our lost funds today. Tillman Law was quick, efficient, and made this entire situation much less painful. I appreciate everything they’ve done for us.
Hazel Ault
Hazel Ault
1676408436
Jennifer nelson
Jennifer nelson
1675127322
Great experience
Oksana Pavlenko
Oksana Pavlenko
1660939351
Really pleased with my experience at Tillmann Law. Mr. Tillmann and his team were on top of my case, worked hard to answer any questions I had and finished my case in a timely manner. I was really happy with the outcome . Thank you!
Robert Swanson
Robert Swanson
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Tucker Earp
Tucker Earp
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Linette Figueroa
Linette Figueroa
1634884433
Mr. Tillman took care of my care seamlessly! He immediately hopped on my case immediately and guided me through the entire process. His team is professional, organized and well-resourced! He even went back to ensure the settlement was beyond fair. If you want someone who will fight tooth and nail on your behalf- Mr. Tillman is your lawyer!
Robert Aley
Robert Aley
1634841379
I am so happy to promote Aaron and his team. They did such an amazing job handling my case. Call them if you need service. I called him when I first needed help with my accident and he called me back within five minutes. This team is so great! I am so happy to have worked with them.
Teresa Ochoa
Teresa Ochoa
1633214433
Mr. Tillmann and his paralegal Jason were fantastic to work with! They were always available to answer my questions in a timely manner and delivered a very good outcome after I was rear ended. I would recommend their services to anyone.
Roro Roro
Roro Roro
1631419364
Amazing team at the Tillman Law, LLC . His work speaks for it self. Thank you for being professional and above all understanding to different people. God bless everyone that works there .
Mercury Nightstone
Mercury Nightstone
1628733283
Aaron and his staff, especially Jason, were all extremely courteous, timely, and professional. Highly recommend, truly appreciate your hard work!
Danielle Martin
Danielle Martin
1627923620
The Tillman Law Firm is amazing! I have been very pleased with everyone that I came in contact with concerning my case. They filed the case against the insurance company and fought hard in litigation to get what rightfully was taken from me. I would highly recommend them, they are the best in the Portland metro area!
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