8 Steps After a Work-Related Car Accident in a Personal Vehicle

If you were injured in a car accident at work, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. No matter how the accident came about, you may be entitled to benefits. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what steps to take after an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, what benefits may be available, and how to protect your rights. 

Don’t wait to get the help you need. If you were injured, talk to a car accident lawyer in Allentown today to discuss your accident claim. 

I Was in My Personal Vehicle and Got in an Accident. Is Compensation for Car Accidents Available?

Yes, you may be eligible for compensation for car accidents even if you were using your personal vehicle. This often depends on whether you were performing a work-related task. For instance, you might have been driving to a job site, running errands for your employer, driving a co-worker to a business meeting, or even using your own car regularly as part of your job duties. 

If you were in a company vehicle during a work-related trip, coverage might also apply, but the rules are a bit different in this case. Each case depends on the specific facts, including whether you were “on the clock.” 

When Compensation Isn’t Available for Car Accidents at Work

There are situations where you may not qualify for car accident compensation. For example, if you were doing something illegal at the time, like driving under the influence, you likely won’t be covered. 

Another situation is your daily commute. If you’re just driving to or from work, even in your own car, that usually doesn’t count as work time. However, you could still talk to personal injury lawyers in Allentown and file a personal injury claim. (Pennsylvania has a modified comparative negligence system — meaning if you were less than 51% at fault, you could still recover damages for a personal injury claim.)

A car accident at work must involve a task related to your job. If your accident while driving a personal vehicle for work happened outside of your normal job duties, compensation may not apply. 

Common Questions: I Got in an Accident While Driving a Personal Vehicle for Work

If you get into an accident while driving for work, it’s natural to have some questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from victims who have been in your shoes.

How long do you have to call your insurance company after a Pennsylvania accident?

In Pennsylvania, you should report an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require you to notify them “promptly,” but what “promptly” means depends on your insurer and your specific policy. Typically, a reporting time frame is between 24 to 72 hours, but consult your policy to be sure. Waiting too long can cause delays or even denial of coverage. 

Insurance reporting deadlines can vary, but the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is another matter. If law enforcement isn’t called to the auto accident scene, you must report the crash to PennDOT within five days. 

Even if you plan to file an accident work claim separately through your employer, your personal insurance company still needs to know about the incident to process any benefits you may be entitled to. If you feel your insurance company has unjustly denied you benefits, it’s a good idea to speak with a car accident attorney for help and next steps.

Does an accident in a work vehicle affect personal insurance in PA?

A single or multi-car accident while driving a personal vehicle for work could affect your personal insurance, especially if it’s unclear whether the trip was job-related. If your policy excludes work use, your claim may be denied. Always check your coverage terms and talk to a legal professional for clarity.

Can I get compensation if I don’t have a fixed place of work?

Yes, even if your job doesn’t have a set location, you may still qualify for compensation. Many workers, like salespeople, repair technicians, or home health aides, travel daily as part of their job. If you’re injured in an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work under these conditions, you might be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. 

In many cases, the key is proving that the travel was part of your job duties. If you were running errands for your boss or driving between client appointments, that may count. A car accident at work doesn’t require a fixed job site — it just requires a job-related task.

How does insurance work in Pennsylvania when it’s not your fault?

Pennsylvania follows a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that your own insurance pays for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. This may even be true if your car insurance has lapsed, as many providers have car insurance lapse grace periods.

However, if someone else is responsible, you may also file a claim against their insurance. This is especially important in a car accident at work where another driver caused the crash. You might receive compensation through both your personal policy and your employer’s coverage. 

If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can also seek damages for pain and suffering, especially if your injuries are serious. Talking to an attorney can help sort out your options.

What happens if my car gets damaged at work?

If your car is damaged during a work-related vehicle accident, who pays depends on the situation. If you were using your personal vehicle for a work task, you may file an accident work claim through your employer’s insurance if they have coverage for non-owned vehicles. If not, your own car insurance might apply. 

If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance could cover repairs — unless they’re an unlicensed driver. That can complicate matters, especially if both your employer and your personal insurer need to get involved. The possibility of being hit by an unlicensed driver or a driver with low policy limits is why having underinsured or uninsured coverage (UM/UIM) is so important. 

Watch our quick video summary on uninsured motorist coverage in Pennsylvania here:

Pennsylvania Car Accident Work Claim Guide

If you’re injured in a work-related car crash, you may be able to file an accident claim in Pennsylvania. This type of claim is handled through the state’s workers’ compensation system. 

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, and head trauma. Even minor crashes can cause soft tissue damage or sprains. More serious accidents might result in concussions, spinal cord injuries, or internal bleeding. 

In cases involving an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, injuries can impact your ability to do your job or earn income. Some accident victims also suffer emotional distress, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. 

If you experience pain after a car accident at work, it’s important to seek medical care right away and report your injuries to your company.

What Benefits Are Available After a Pennsylvania Workplace Vehicle Accident?

If you’re injured in a workplace vehicle crash, there might be several benefits you can pursue. Medical benefits cover doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. The severity of the injury can influence your benefits. 

If the worst happens and a worker dies in a car accident, death benefits may be available to their family. Some cases, especially where another driver is at fault, also allow claims for pain and suffering.

Ultimately, the types of damages you can pursue may be limited by the type of insurance you have. Full tort and limited tort insurance both govern whether you can sue for economic or non-economic damages.

What To Do After a Workplace Car Accident in PA: 8 Steps

After an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, report the incident to your employer. Then, speak with a lawyer or experienced representative to file a formal claim.

1. Check for Injuries 

After an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, your first priority is checking for injuries. Look at yourself and others in your vehicle to see if anyone is hurt. Even if you feel fine at first, symptoms may appear later. Common signs to look out for include dizziness, pain, or confusion, especially after head or back trauma. 

If anyone is seriously hurt, don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger. Call 911 immediately.

2. Move to Safety, If Possible

If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle out of the road to avoid another crash. Staying in traffic can put you and others at greater risk. 

Turn on your hazard lights and find a safe spot to pull over. If your car is too damaged to move, exit the vehicle when it’s safe and wait at a distance. If you’re in a truck, you may need to set up emergency triangles or flares, depending on what the scene of the accident is like. Following an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, your safety is the top priority.

3. Call 911 if Needed

If there are injuries, damage to vehicles, or road hazards, call 911 immediately. Reporting the crash creates a police record, which can help an accident claim later.

When they arrive, first responders assess injuries and make sure everyone is safe. Police officers can also file a report, which can be key evidence for both insurance and legal claims. Even if it seems like a minor car accident, official documentation can help protect your rights if medical issues or legal questions come up later.

4. Collect Evidence and Other Documentation

Once the scene is secure, gather as much information as possible. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the scene (as you may use these in your claim). Don’t rely on memory — written or photo proof is best.

Try to photograph the following:

• Damage to vehicles
• License plates
• Street signs
• Injuries
• Cargo or materials involved
• Weather and road conditions
• Damage to the surroundings

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, get their names and numbers as well. Make notes about what happened, including time, location, and your job-related task. 

All of this can support your claim. If you were in an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, your evidence can make a big difference in your case. 

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, always get checked out by a doctor after a car accident. Some symptoms, like internal injuries or whiplash, can take days to cause problems. In the worst cases, you may not notice symptoms until the injury is severe. Quick treatment protects your health and supports your car accident claim. 

In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation may cover the cost of treatment, but you may need to see a provider approved by your employer’s insurance. Make sure you tell your doctor that your injuries happened during a work-related car crash, so the visit is properly documented. 

Getting prompt medical care helps show that your injuries are serious and related to your job. It’s also one of the first steps in getting compensation for car accidents.

6. Alert Your Employer

Report the work-related car accident to your employer as soon as possible. You can call your supervisor or safety manager, send an email, text, or use your company’s reporting system if they have one. No matter what, the important thing is to get your report in writing. 

Clearly explain that it was an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work. Include the date, time, and any injuries you’ve noticed — be as detailed as possible. In Pennsylvania, waiting too long to notify your employer can delay or hurt your ability to file a claim.

7. File a Claim

After alerting your company, the next step is to file an official claim. In Pennsylvania, this starts with your employer submitting a First Report of Injury to their workers’ compensation insurance company. This document explains your vehicle accident and the injuries you suffered. 

If your employer doesn’t file it, you can contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation directly to file it. Be sure the report explains that you were in an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work. 

Filing correctly and on time can help you qualify for benefits like medical coverage and lost wages. To get the help you need, reach out to an Allentown workers’ compensation lawyer to make a strong accident work claim.

8. Consult an Allentown Personal Injury Attorney

After a workplace crash, speaking with an Allentown personal injury attorney can make a big difference. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your rights. They can also investigate whether any third parties — like other drivers or equipment manufacturers — may be responsible for the crash. 

If a third party caused your work-related accident, you might be able to pursue extra compensation, such as pain and suffering. A local Pennsylvania accident attorney knows the laws and deadlines that apply to your car crash claim, giving you the best chance to recover fully.

Talk to an Allentown Car Accident Attorney Today

Moving forward in the aftermath of a car accident at work can be confusing, but you don’t have to handle it alone. From seeking medical care to filing a car accident claim, every step matters. If you were in an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, Pennsylvania law may offer financial protection.

With over 190 years of combined experience and $120 million in settlement success, the attorneys at Cohen, Feely, Altemose & Rambo can help you understand your rights and pursue full compensation for car accidents. Don’t leave your future up to chance. 

Contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.