I Drive for a Living. Who Is Liable for My Driving Accident Injuries?

 Posted on January 16, 2025 in Car Accidents

Many workers in Illinois and across the nation drive as part of their job duties. That driving might be your main responsibility, for example, if you haul freight in a tractor-trailer or operate public transit buses. In other cases, you might be a delivery driver or need to travel between job sites during your workday. Because you may be on the road for hours at a time, your risk of being in a traffic collision is high.

If you are injured in an accident while driving for work, who is responsible for paying for your medical bills and other losses? Is it difficult to win a claim? For the best chance of success, partner with a dedicated Barrington, IL personal injury attorney.

Does My Employer Pay My Damages?

Your employer may have workers’ comp coverage to cover part of your eligible losses. Accepting benefits usually bars you from filing a personal injury claim against your employer, but some exceptions may apply. For example, if your employer knowingly requires you to drive an unsafe vehicle, you may qualify for a personal injury claim. The best way to verify your legal options is to contact our office and request a free consultation.

If your accident was caused by someone else, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim against the at-fault driver.

What Complications Could You Face With Your Injury Claim?

Most personal injury cases rest on your ability to prove that someone else’s negligence or intentional act was the direct cause of your accident, injuries, and damages. Making an accusation is not sufficient; you need evidence to support your claim. Potential complications include:

• Other commercial vehicle involvement, as several parties could share responsibility

• Your own degree of fault for contributing to your accident

• Government entities playing a part, such as when poorly maintained roads or insufficient lighting are factors

• Uninsured or underinsured motorists

• Insurance companies denying your claim or trying to minimize your payout

• Hit-and-run drivers

• The involvement of contracted drivers, as proving vicarious liability can be challenging

Claims for car accidents that happen while you are on the clock can be complex. Without the assistance of an experienced lawyer, you may not recover the full compensation you are entitled to.

What Kinds of Compensation Could I Get After a Car Collision?

Your damages, which are the funds you could receive to reimburse or compensate you for eligible losses, are calculated using factors specific to your case. Your damages may include dollar-for-dollar reimbursement of expenses, such as property damage, lost income, and medical care costs. Non-economic damages might compensate you for various forms of pain and suffering.

Insurers know how much your case is worth but usually try to convince you to accept a much lower settlement offer. Do not accept an offer before your attorney reviews it, because we can likely help you recover a substantially higher amount.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Cook County, IL Work Injury Lawyer Today

At Barrington Injury Attorneys, our goal is to help you maximize the compensation you receive after your accident. An initial consultation with one of our dedicated Lake County, IL car accident attorneys is free, so call 224-900-HURT or contact us online to schedule yours.