What the I-16 Bus Collision Teaches Us About Work-Related Crashes

On June 14, 2024, a multi-car accident on Interstate 16 in Bulloch County, Georgia, significantly strained local emergency resources. The initial incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. near mile marker 136 in the eastbound lane, where a motorcyclist collided with the rear of a car and was ejected from the motorcycle, as reported by Grice Connect.

As traffic halted because of the accident, a subsequent collision occurred, which involved a school bus from Liberty Public Schools in Mounds, Oklahoma, carrying 10 students to a Beta Club Convention in Savannah. A white suburban with 7 passengers, believed to be family members of the students, had stopped behind the bus when a black sedan failed to slow down and crashed into the rear end of the suburban, causing it to hit the bus.

While the students on the bus were unharmed, 6 of the 7 passengers in the suburban sustained injuries. This rear-end crash resulted in one passenger from the suburban being airlifted by LifeStar Medical Helicopter to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah. The remaining injured passengers were transported by ambulance, along with the sedan driver.

How common are accidents while driving for work?

Work-related vehicle accidents are not only common; they’re also extremely deadly. According to the National Safety Council, about 68,560 U.S. workers suffered injuries in vehicle accidents that led to time off work between 2021 and 2022.

In 2022 alone, 1,369 workers died in these accidents, accounting for 1 in 4 work-related deaths that year.

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What happens if someone hits you in a company vehicle?

If someone hits you while you’re driving a company vehicle, such as a school bus or delivery truck, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries. Some of the main areas where compensation might apply include:

Workers’ compensation. If you were injured while performing work duties in a company vehicle, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Third-party liability. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to file a third-party claim against their insurance company to cover damages beyond what workers’ comp provides. This could include full lost wages, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages. If the company vehicle had a manufacturer’s defect, there could be grounds to pursue a claim against the vehicle manufacturer as well.

Because work-related vehicle accidents can be complex regarding liability and compensation, Georgia workers should reach out to a local Atlanta work injury lawyer to help navigate the claims process and explore all their legal options for compensation.

Can I get workers’ comp after a vehicle accident if the accident was my fault?

Yes, you can typically receive workers’ compensation benefits after a vehicle accident—even if the accident was your fault—as long as you were working at the time of the accident.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, which means benefits are generally provided regardless of who was at fault for the accident. So, whether you were injured making a delivery for Amazon, traveling between work sites, or driving for any other work-related purpose, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia.

However, workers’ comp exceptions may apply if you were engaged in misconduct at the time of the accident, such as driving under the influence or intentionally violating company policies.

In any case, it’s essential to report the accident to your employer promptly (within 30 days) and seek immediate medical care so your injuries can be treated and documented. Failing to take these and other necessary steps after a work injury can result in a denied workers’ comp claim.

Were you injured in a work-related car accident in Atlanta? We can help!

If you’ve been injured in a work-related car accident or any other workplace accident in Georgia, the experienced Atlanta work injury attorneys at Gerber & Elkins are here to help. With over 100 years of combined experience, our Atlanta-based legal team has helped countless workers across Georgia secure maximum compensation after suffering work-related injuries or occupational diseases.

Don’t navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. Let us fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full support and benefits you need to recover.

Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here for you every step of the way.