Rear-Ended at a Red Light While Working in PA

Super Lawyers 10 Years - Michael W. Cardamone

You were stopped at a red light, doing everything right. Then - BAM - someone slammed into you from behind. Your neck snapped back. Your car lurched forward. And now you're dealing with pain, medical bills, and time off work.

If this happened while you were working - making deliveries, driving to a client meeting, traveling between job sites - you likely have two separate legal claims.

Two Claims = Two Sources of Recovery: Most people only pursue one claim after a rear-end collision. If you were working at the time, you may be leaving significant money on the table.

The Two Claims Explained

1. Workers' Compensation

Through your employer's insurance

All medical bills paid
Wage loss benefits (2/3 of wages)
No need to prove fault
Available immediately

2. Third-Party Personal Injury

Against the driver who hit you

Pain and suffering damages
Full wage recovery (not just 2/3)
Future medical costs
Potentially larger settlement

Why Rear-End Collisions Are Clear-Cut

Rear-end crashes are among the most straightforward cases for establishing fault. Pennsylvania follows the "assured clear distance" rule - the driver behind you is almost always liable if they hit you from behind.

This means:

Workers' comp: Fault doesn't matter - you're covered if you were working
Third-party claim: The other driver is clearly at fault, making your case strong

Common Rear-End Scenarios We Handle

Delivery driver stopped at light, hit by distracted driver
Sales rep rear-ended in traffic while driving to meeting
Nurse hit from behind while driving between patient homes
Construction worker struck while stopped in work zone
Truck driver rear-ended at highway merge
Rideshare driver hit while dropping off passenger

A Note from Attorney Cardamone:

"Rear-end collisions are textbook two-claim cases. You have a workers' comp claim because you were working, AND a strong third-party case because the other driver is clearly at fault. Don't let anyone tell you to pick one or the other. You're entitled to both."

Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions

Whiplash - Neck strain from rapid back-and-forth motion
Herniated discs - Spinal injuries that may require surgery
Concussion/TBI - Even without hitting your head
Back injuries - Lumbar strain, compression fractures
Shoulder injuries - From bracing against the steering wheel

The Two Specialists Approach

When you have two claims, you need two specialists - not one lawyer trying to do everything.

Here's how we handle it:

We handle your workers' compensation claim directly
We coordinate with our trusted Personal Injury colleagues for the third-party case
Both claims are managed together for maximum recovery
No conflicting advice, no dropped balls

Rear-Ended While Working?

You likely have two claims. Let's make sure you get both.

(215) 206-9068

What to Do After Being Rear-Ended at Work

Call 911 - Get a police report documenting the crash
Get medical attention - Even if you feel "fine" - whiplash symptoms often appear later
Report to your employer - Document that it happened during work duties
Get the other driver's info - Insurance, license, contact info
Take photos - Damage to both vehicles, the scene, your injuries
Call us before talking to ANY insurance company

Don't Make This Mistake

Many people file only the workers' comp claim OR only the personal injury claim - not realizing they can pursue both. Some insurance adjusters will even discourage you from filing both claims.

Don't leave money on the table. If you were rear-ended while working, call us for a free consultation. We'll tell you exactly what you're entitled to.

Free Consultation: (215) 206-9068