Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employees to be hurt or worse while on the job in South Carolina. In fact, according to the most recent report from the US Bureau of Labor, over 107 South Carolina work injuries resulted in fatalities in 2021 alone, and a large percentage of these tragic accidents resulted from transportation incidents, such as car and truck crashes.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident while working in South Carolina, you may qualify for a few different forms of compensation under state law, including through workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury claims. No matter what field you work in, the SC workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured employees recover physically and financially following an on the job injury.

We understand that the aftermath of being injured on the job can be a scary and confusing time. Our reputable workers’ compensation team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you understand your rights after an on-the-job car accident. Contact our team today for your complimentary case evaluation, held directly with an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.

How Does Fault Work in On-The-Job Car Accidents?

In South Carolina, the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system. This means that it generally does not matter who is found liable for the accident – as long as your accident was work-related, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. 

If you were at-fault or partially at-fault for the accident, you can still work with an experienced lawyer to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This is generally true unless you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident and this impairment caused the accident.

If you were not at-fault for the accident, you may qualify to receive both workers compensation benefits and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover additional compensation.

If you were injured in a car accident while on the job, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced lawyer to understand your rights and get the maximum of what you’re owed under SC law. With over 60 years of combined experience, the esteemed lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens represent workers’ compensation and personal injury cases throughout the state every single day. Let us help you. To schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our team, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or complete our online form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

What Car Accidents Classify as Work-Related?

If you were injured while driving for work, you will likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to cover associated costs such as medical bills and time missed from work. Some examples of tasks our clients have been completing while injured in an accident on the job include:

  • Making deliveries
  • Picking up or dropping off work-related supplies, documents, and more
  • Transporting an employee or client
  • Running an errand for your employer
  • Driving for a living
  • Traveling for work
  • And more

It is important to note that there are also situations in which your injuries may not be covered by workers compensation. For example, if your accident fits into what’s known as the “Coming and Going Rule.” This rule prevents injured employees from filing for workers’ compensation if the accident occurred during their commute to or from work.  

There are a few exceptions to the Coming and Going Rule:

  • Premises Exception – If the accident happened on company property, you may still qualify.
  • Special Errand – If you’re making a work-related stop while going to or from work, you may still qualify.
  • Required Vehicle – If you’re driving a company car while commuting to/from work, you may still qualify.

Based on the specifics of your accident, it can be tricky to understand whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, personal injury compensation, or both. We are here to listen to you and help you understand your rights. 

Do I Qualify for South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Most, but not all, workers in South Carolina qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after an on-the-job accident resulting in injury. However, some workers/industries are generally not covered by SC workers’ compensation, including:

  • Independent Contractors
  • Businesses With Less Than 4 Employees
  • Corporate Officers
  • Realtors
  • Casual Employees
  • Agricultural Workers
  • Railroad Workers
  • Federal Government Employees
  • Some Owner-Operator Truck Drivers

To learn whether you qualify to file for workers’ compensation, please contact our office today. We are here to help you understand your eligibility status, the process, and help you recover from an accident.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Depending on your injuries and policy, you may qualify for a variety of benefits under state law, such as compensation for:

  • All Related Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Reduced Earning Capacity
  • Loss of Life Benefits
  • Partial Disability Benefits
  • Permanent Disability Benefits
  • Bodily Disfigurement
  • Transportation To and From Medical Appointments
  • And More.

Get a Complimentary Workers’ Compensation Car Accident Case Evaluation

Whether you’ve already filed a claim, your claim has been denied, or you haven’t started the process yet, our team is here to help you navigate the SC workers’ compensation and personal injury systems following a car accident. We fight relentlessly to get accident victims the entirety of what they’re owed under South Carolina law for past, present, and future damages caused by the accident so you can focus on what matters most: healing. We understand the complicated legal process and will take on that burden for you, fighting tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Begin the road to recovery – contact our team today by calling (803) 888-2200.

Why Choose Cavanaugh & Thickens?

Cavanaugh & Thickens is a local law firm offering one on one client-attorney communication so you never feel alone during your case. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to providing clients with a positive experience, resulting in over 150 5-Star reviews on Google. In addition, our hard work both for our clients and in our community has earned our law firm the Best of Columbia 2023 title for “Best Workers’ Compensation Law Firm” in the city. With over 60 years of combined experience, and a history of obtaining great results for our clients, you can rest assured that you and your case are in great hands.

To schedule your complimentary initial consultation, please call our office at (803) 888-2200 or email info@ctlawsc.com. We look forward to hearing from you, getting to know you, and helping you recover as best as possible.