Injured While Driving for Work in Rochester? Don’t Let Your Boss Off the Hook! 

Getting hurt in a car accident while on the job? That’s a nightmare you never saw coming. Now you’re stuck dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and a ton of stress. And let’s be real—your employer and their insurance company aren’t going to just hand over the money you deserve. That’s where we come in.  

At Horn Wright, LLP, our personal injury attorneys fight for Rochester workers like you. Understanding employer liability in work car accidents is incredibly important—your boss might be more responsible than you think. 

Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Work-Related Car Crash? 

You’re probably thinking, "Who’s paying for all these medical bills?" The answer isn’t always straightforward, but here’s the deal: 

• Workers' Compensation for On-the-Job Car Crashes: If you were on the clock when the crash happened, workers' compensation should cover your medical bills and part of your lost wages. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident—you still qualify. 
• Personal Injury Protection: Since New York is a no-fault state, your own auto insurance kicks in to cover medical expenses up to a certain limit. But since this was a work-related accident, workers' comp takes priority. 
• Health Insurance: If workers' compensation and PIP don’t cover everything, your private health insurance might step in. But keep in mind—if you get a personal injury settlement, your insurer might want reimbursement. 

Sorting through all these insurance policies is a headache. That’s why working with a skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the system and get the most out of your claim. 

Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury Claims—What’s the Difference? 

Not all claims are the same. Workers’ comp is different from a Rochester personal injury lawsuit, and knowing the difference can be a game-changer. 

Workers' Compensation Claims: 

• No-Fault System: You get benefits no matter who caused the accident. 
• Covers: Medical bills, partial lost wages, and some disability benefits. 
• Limits: No compensation for pain and suffering, and you can’t sue your employer. 

Personal Injury Claims After a Workplace Auto Accident: 

• Fault-Based: You need to prove someone else was responsible. 
• Covers: Medical expenses, full lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 
• Who You Can Sue: A third party—like another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a contractor. 

If a third party caused your crash, you might be able to file both a workers’ comp and a personal injury claim. That could mean more money in your pocket but managing both claims takes strategy. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you figure out the best approach. That’s where we come in. 

Can You Sue a Third Party for a Work-Related Car Accident? 

Short answer? Absolutely—if someone outside your employer was responsible. 

Who Can Be Held Liable? 

• Another Driver: If a distracted or reckless driver hit you while you were working. 
• Defective Vehicles: If faulty brakes, airbags, or another mechanical failure caused the crash. 
• Negligent Contractors: If another company’s employee caused the accident at a worksite. 

Pursuing third-party lawsuits for work-related vehicle collisions can mean more compensation—including money for pain and suffering, something workers' comp doesn’t cover. But proving negligence isn’t easy. That’s why having the right legal team in your corner is a must. 

Hurt While Delivering or Driving a Company Car? Here’s What to Do 

If you drive for work—whether delivering packages or using a company car—an accident can flip your life upside down. But don’t let your employer or their insurance company push you around. 

Steps to Protect Yourself After a Work-Related Crash: 

• Check for injuries and call 911. Your health comes first—always. 
• Take photos and gather evidence. Get pictures of the crash scene, your injuries, and any damage. 
• Get contact info. Witness statements can make or break your case. 
• Report it to your employer ASAP. Waiting too long can hurt your claim. 
• Talk to a lawyer before signing anything. Insurance companies love lowball offers—don’t let them trick you. 

Your employer’s insurance company will try to downplay your injuries or push you into accepting a tiny settlement. Don’t let them. Talk to someone who actually has your back. 

How Your Employer’s Insurance Might Be Working Against You 

You’d think workers’ comp would have your back, right? Not always. Insurance companies—and your employer—are often looking for ways to pay you as little as possible. 

Sneaky Insurance Tactics to Watch Out For: 

• Delays: Dragging out the process so you get desperate and settle for less. 
• Denials: Claiming your injury wasn’t work-related or blaming a pre-existing condition. 
• Lowball Offers: Offering way less than what you actually need to recover. 
• Surveillance: Following you, hoping to catch you doing something that “proves” you’re not as hurt as you claim. 

Don’t try to handle this alone. An experienced lawyer knows how to shut these tactics down and get you the money you deserve. That’s why working with a firm that’s been named one of the best law firms in America can make all the difference. 

What If Another Employee Caused the Crash? Don’t Get Stuck with Their Mistake 

So, a coworker was careless and caused the accident. Does that mean you’re out of luck? Nope. 

Here’s What You Can Do: 

• Workers’ Comp Still Covers You: Even if another employee was at fault, you’re still entitled to benefits. 
• You Can’t Sue a Coworker, But… If your employer’s negligence played a role—like failing to maintain company vehicles—you might have a case. 
• Third-Party Claims Still Apply: If another company’s employee caused the crash, you might be able to go after their employer for damages. 

Knowing your legal rights after a company car accident can make all the difference. Don’t let workplace politics or fear of retaliation stop you from getting what’s rightfully yours. You have rights—and we’re here to help you fight for them. 

Get the Legal Help You Deserve 

You’ve been through enough. The medical bills, the lost paychecks, the stress—it’s overwhelming. At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester attorneys make sure workers like you don’t get taken advantage of. Whether you need help with a workers’ comp claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or just figuring out your next move, our experienced personal injury attorney team is here to guide you every step of the way, we’re here for you.  

Contact our Rochester law office today for a FREE consultation, and let’s get you the compensation you deserve.