Challenges for blue-collar workers hurt in car crashes

 Posted on March 19, 2024 in Uncategorized

Many people who are the primary wage earners for their families in Maryland have blue-collar jobs. Blue-collar workers often receive more competitive wages than those in less-demanding professions. They may also receive better employment benefits because of how hard their jobs can be.

A blue-collar worker on their way to work or back home at the end of a long shift might end up involved in a car crash. The injuries caused by a motor vehicle collision can be a major concern for people of all professions. For blue-collar workers, injuries can be more than just frustrating, painful or inconvenient. They can potentially lead to major financial hardship.

Why do car crashes often result in disproportionate impacts on blue-collar workers?

They may not be able to work while injured

Someone working in the retail sector or an office setting might be able to do their job despite having significant physical injuries. Even if they cannot perform their standard job responsibilities, their employer might be able to move them to a cash register or a reception position where they don’t have to worry about triggering their injuries. Such accommodations may not be realistic for blue-collar workers. Any role they might fill could require manual labor. Someone unable to stand for hours or who cannot use their hands because of an injury may require an extended leave of absence from work until their condition improves. Perhaps someone is a welder who can’t use their equipment.

Unfortunately, the combination of medical expenses and a lengthy leave of absence might mean that someone involved in a Maryland crash has more costs than insurance can cover. The current insurance requirements in Maryland only mandate $30,000 in bodily injury coverage. Drivers have the option of carrying more insurance than that, but many people buy the least expensive policies they can while conforming to state law.

Someone who requires a stay in the hospital, surgery or physical therapy could use up all of the bodily injury coverage provided by the driver at fault for the crash. There may not be any coverage available for their ongoing treatment or their lost wages. Someone may begin to worry about being unable to pay their bills and support their loved ones.

Thankfully, the law in Maryland does allow those affected by collision to take legal action in some cases. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit and/or workers’ compensation benefits could help compensate someone unable to work after a serious car crash. Those who understand how their careers and families may affect their compensation needs may be able to pursue the support they need after a Maryland collision.