When most people think about work-related motor vehicle accidents, they tend to think of occupations that only involve driving professionally, such as truckers and commercial drivers. This is often not actually the case, however. A study by Denver-based Pinnacol Assurance Inc., the largest workers’ compensation insurer in Colorado, revealed that more workers in non-professional driving occupations are spending an increased amount of time on the road as part of their jobs. This in turn has lead to serious car accidents and fatalities.
Pinnacol processes 1,500 claims related to motor vehicle accidents each year. From their crash data, the occupations which reported the most motor vehicle accidents include:
- Health care workers (driving to and from care sites)
- Truck drivers
- Chauffeurs
- Messengers
- Auto Service and Repair workers
- Police Officers
Claims data for accidents over a ten year span were looked at, from 2007 to 2017. Despite the common knowledge that seatbelts play a vital role in reducing injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash, 26% of the accident claims involved occupants not wearing seatbelts.
How Can Employers Help?
When it comes to driving as part of an occupation, experience matters. Drivers who had been on the job for less than one year were involved in 42% of the claims related to motor vehicle accidents. Employers and companies looking to improve upon safety programs within the workplace may benefit from considering risk management programs that incorporate defensive driving training for their employees. The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommends employers set up a safe driving program to improve employee safety while on the road.
Work-related car accidents could have multiple parties responsible, and may even fall under workers’ compensation benefits. Due to the complexities of these types of crashes, it is best to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to determine if you are eligible for filing a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. Your attorney can review your accident and help you choose the legal path that is best for you. Without an attorney on your side, however, you may not obtain the money you need to truly recover.
Contact Our Pueblo Car Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Pueblo, it is important to speak to an experienced Pueblo car accident attorney as soon as you are able. Call Pueblo attorney Smith & Smith, today for a FREE CONSULTATION – (719) 544-0062. Our attorneys can help you through this difficult time and protect your rights to compensation for your injuries. Call us today!
