If you’re a delivery driver in New Jersey or drive on-the-job for other reasons, such as traveling to meet clients throughout the day, you’re in a high-risk category for a motor vehicle accident. In fact, a great number of workers’ compensation claims stem from injuries that occur while driving on the job. Even injuries that seem minor can have long-range repercussions, which is why it’s important to closely monitor your physical condition for weeks (even longer) if you’ve been involved in a collision at work.
Motor vehicle accidents are emotionally traumatic, as well, which can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health. So, it’s not only important to keep watch over physical health following a car accident, but, also, mental health. Remember to report any adverse conditions that arise in connection to a workplace accident to your employer and to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Driving on the job can result in these injuries
If you’re delivering packages, traveling from job site to job site as a project manager, or meeting clients in different locations throughout the workday, you’re at risk for the injuries included in the following list after a motor vehicle accident:
- Whiplash: This is a broad term referring to numerous upper body injuries, some of which can be debilitating and permanently disabling.
- Broken ribs: It’s not uncommon to suffer this type of injury, especially if the airbag hits you with great force or the seatbelt constricts forcefully against you upon impact in a collision.
- Heart attack: The sudden jolt and fright of a collision can cause a person to suffer cardiac arrest.
- Contusions and lacerations: You might suffer bruises, swelling or deep cuts after being slammed against hard surfaces in your vehicle during a collision.
- Brain trauma: Concussions, skull fractures and bleeding on the brain are common injuries in a motor vehicle collision.
Several of these injuries might require extended hospitalization, followed by time off from work. In some cases, you might need surgery, physical therapy or at-home care from a visiting nurse to support the healing process. In the past, workers have been able to offset expenses and make up for lost wages by collecting benefits through the workers’ compensation system. If your injuries are significant you can even recover a monetary award for their severity.