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A workday delivery through Glendale—whether cruising down the 134 or weaving through traffic on Brand Boulevard—can take a dangerous turn in seconds. One crash can jeopardize your health, your income, and your future.
If you are injured, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation, a personal injury claim, or both—but figuring that out isn’t always easy. While employees are covered under California’s workers’ comp laws, contractors and gig workers aren’t. And even if someone else caused the crash, proving it takes strategy and evidence.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we help injured workers in Glendale understand their rights and take action. Whether navigating workers’ comp, fighting an insurance denial, or building a personal injury case, our work vehicle accident attorneys can help you get every dollar you’re owed.
A crash is generally considered work-related if it happened while driving to perform job duties, whether you’re classified as an employee or working as an independent contractor.
Common examples include:
You may be entitled to compensation if you’re injured while driving for work, but what you can recover depends on how you’re classified on the job.
California’s AB5 law tightened the definition of who qualifies as an independent contractor, but misclassification still happens. If you’re not a traditional employee, your right to compensation may depend on how your job is structured, not just what your title says.
For example, did the company assign you a set schedule or give specific instructions? Was driving a routine part of your work? Were you required to use company tools or restricted from taking other jobs? These are all signs you may legally be considered an employee, even if you were labeled a contractor.
Gig workers like Uber drivers, food delivery couriers, and package handlers are often classified as independent contractors, which means workers’ comp does not cover them. However, you may still be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims can help after a work-related crash, but they involve different legal processes and benefits. Here’s how each one works and what to keep in mind.
| Type of Claim | Fault and Liability | Possible Compensation | Limitations/Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workers’ Compensation Claim | Covers your injuries regardless of fault, as long as the accident occurred during work-related duties. You file through your employer’s insurance. |
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| Personal Injury Claim (Third-Party Claim) | This applies when another party caused the crash. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver to recover compensation outside workers’ comp. |
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In some cases, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury and a workers’ compensation claim. This might apply if another driver caused the crash while you were on the job, or if a vehicle defect, like a blown tire or brake failure, contributed to the accident.
When both claims apply, your personal injury settlement can affect what you receive from workers’ comp. Seeking legal help for commercial driver injuries can help you manage both claims and protect the full value of your recovery.
In California, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash. The state uses a pure comparative negligence rule for personal injury claims, which means your percentage of fault may reduce the final settlement.
For instance, while driving to a job site, another driver runs a red light and crashes into your vehicle. The impact causes serious injuries, and your total damages—medical bills, lost income, and other costs—add up to $100,000.
Even though the other driver caused the crash, the insurance company argues you were going over the speed limit and assigns you 25% of the fault. That reduces your work-related accident compensation to $75,000.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, our Glendale work vehicle accident attorneys build strong, evidence-backed cases to reduce your share of liability and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
After a crash while driving for work in Glendale, it’s not always clear which steps to take or which type of claim you qualify for. And when you’re injured and missing paychecks, dealing with insurance paperwork and legal deadlines can feel overwhelming.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we represent delivery drivers, field workers, contractors, and employees injured on the job. Whether your case involves workers’ compensation, a personal injury claim, or both, we can guide you through the process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Our experienced work vehicle accident attorneys will help you understand your rights, challenge denied claims, gather critical evidence, and push for maximum recovery through settlement or, if necessary, in court.
Schedule a free consultation today. We can guide you every step of the way and pursue the compensation that helps you get back on your feet.
Yes, if another driver caused the crash or a third party contributed, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may also qualify for workers’ comp if you’re an employee. A delivery driver accident lawyer can review your situation and explain what compensation is available.
Yes, as long as you were performing job duties at the time and are classified as an employee, your injuries should be covered.
California’s pure comparative fault law allows you to recover damages even if you share blame, though your compensation may be reduced.
It depends on your injuries, wage loss, and whether you pursue workers’ comp, a personal injury claim, or both. A company vehicle accident attorney can help estimate your full recovery potential.
Workers’ comp offers no-fault benefits but is limited to medical care and partial wage replacement. Personal injury claims allow you to recover for pain, suffering, and full lost wages if someone else was at fault.
To get the best car accident lawyers working for you, contact The Shirvanian Law Firm at (877) 809-4223