Setareh Law
March 4, 2026
Getting into a car accident while on the clock is a frightening experience, and for many workers, the confusion that follows is just as overwhelming as the crash itself. Questions about who pays for medical bills, whether lost wages are covered, and what rights an injured employee actually has can feel impossible to sort out while you are still recovering. The good news is that California law establishes clear obligations for employers when a work-related car accident occurs, and knowing those obligations can make all the difference.
At Setareh Law, we have spent decades helping injury victims across California understand and assert their rights. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than $250 million recovered on behalf of our clients, we know how to identify when an employer is falling short of their legal duties and how to hold them accountable. If you were injured in a car accident while working, our team is here to help. If your job puts you on the road regularly, it is worth understanding how construction and workplace accident protections overlap with vehicle accident claims before an incident ever occurs.
When Is a Car Accident Considered Work-Related?
A car accident qualifies as work-related when it occurs while an employee is performing duties in service of their employer. This includes driving a company vehicle, making deliveries, traveling between job sites, running errands for the business, or any other activity that benefits the employer. According to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation, injuries sustained in a car accident while making deliveries are explicitly cited as an example of a covered work-related injury.
It is important to note that commuting to and from work generally does not qualify as work-related. However, exceptions exist, for instance, if you were traveling from one work location to another, picking up work supplies, or performing any task at the direction of your employer at the time of the accident.
What Employers Are Required to Provide
California law is clear about the obligations employers must meet after a work-related injury, and understanding those obligations can help you move forward with confidence.
Medical Care Coverage
Under California law, employers must pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a work injury, and this obligation begins the moment an injury is reported. There is no requirement for an employee to miss any time from work to qualify for medical coverage. Whether the accident resulted in minor injuries or a serious trauma requiring ongoing care, those costs fall on the employer, not the employee.
Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injuries prevent you from performing your regular job duties while you recover, you may be entitled to temporary disability benefits, which replace a portion of the wages you lose during that period. If your injuries result in a lasting impairment, permanent disability benefits may also be available. The severity and permanency of your condition will determine the amount and duration of these payments, which is why having thorough medical documentation from the start is so critical.
A Workers’ Compensation Claim Form
California law requires employers to provide a workers’ compensation claim form within one working day of being notified of a work-related injury. Failure to do so is a violation of state law, and once a claim is filed, the employer’s insurance carrier is required to begin providing medical care within one working day as well. Delays or denials in this process can seriously affect your recovery, and they may be grounds for additional legal action.
When a Third Party May Also Be Liable
Workers’ compensation is not always the only avenue for recovery after a work-related car accident, and exploring every option available to you is essential. If another driver caused the crash, that person or their insurance company may also be liable for your injuries.
These are known as third-party claims, and they can be pursued separately from a workers’ compensation claim. A successful third-party claim can allow you to recover damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not cover. In the most serious collisions involving commercial trucks, multiple parties may share liability, and the damages can extend to catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death.
Contact Setareh Law After a Work-Related Car Accident
Understanding your rights after a work-related car accident is the first step, but protecting those rights requires action. Employers and insurance carriers do not always fulfill their obligations voluntarily, and having an experienced attorney in your corner can make the difference between a fair recovery and being left without the support you need. At Setareh Law, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Our firm has earned over 400 five-star Google reviews from clients across California, and our record speaks for itself. If you were hurt in a work-related car accident, we want to hear your story. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a free consultation with Setareh Law today.
