On Feb. 23, a tow truck crashed into three New Jersey state police cruisers, an ambulance and a fire truck. The police officers who were inside the vehicles did not sustain any injuries from the crash, but an EMT inside the ambulance got hurt.
Before the accident occurred, a state trooper was directing traffic with a flashlight. Then, a tow truck crashed into the first state police SUV and then ran into a recording NJSP vehicle.
Drivers must move over or stop for stopped emergency vehicles. If they fail to do so, they can face fines.
What To Do After A Work Accident
If you were injured on the job, like the EMT worker, you have the right to file a workers compensation claim to get reimbursed for your medical bills and lost wages. Here are the steps you should take after a work accident.
- Let your employer know. First and foremost, you have to inform your employer that you have been hurt while working. Tell your supervisor when and where the accident occurred and have him or her put the details in writing. If you neglect to tell your employer about your accident right away, you may be denied workers compensation benefits.
- Get immediate medical care. Even if you feel alright after a work accident, you still should get checked out by a doctor right away. Not all injuries show symptoms right away. Your employer may require you to see a specific doctor. During your appointment, the doctor will diagnose your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment. If you disagree with the doctor’s evaluation, you may seek a second opinion.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident. The legal professionals at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. may advise you to write down details about your work accident in a notebook. For example, you may want to jot down when and where the accident occurred, what you were doing when the accident happened and if there were any witnesses. Write this information down soon because memories can fade as time goes on.
- Hire an attorney. Although you are not required to hire an attorney for a workers compensation case, it may be wise to do so. A New Jersey workers compensation attorney can help you file a workers compensation claim and look out for your best interests. He or she can help negotiate a fair settlement with your employer’s insurance company. Many workers compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis.
- Listen to your doctor’s instructions. After your doctor has given you a treatment plan for your work injury, make sure that you follow his or her instructions. If you start feeling better soon, do not stop your treatment. Doing so can put your health and workers compensation claim at risk.
If you have been hurt at work, you may want to schedule a consultation with a workers compensation attorney today.
Video: Tow truck barrels into multiple N.J. State Police cruisers at crash scene (police1.com)