Blog by Linda Khorozian

New Jersey Workers' Compensation Lawyer: What Are Your Rights If a Vehicle Crashes Into Your Workplace?

Posted by Linda O. Khorozian | Jul 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

A recent accident in South Brunswick, New Jersey serves as a powerful reminder that workplace injuries don't always happen because of unsafe equipment, heavy lifting, or slip-and-fall hazards. According to Patch, a vehicle crashed into a Dunkin' on Georges Road, injuring a 22-year-old employee after debris from the building struck her. While police continue to investigate what caused the crash, the incident highlights an important question many injured workers never think to ask:

What happens if someone outside your company causes your workplace injury?

If you or a loved one has been injured while working anywhere in New Jersey, don't assume Workers' Compensation is your only option. Depending on the circumstances, you may also have rights under New Jersey personal injury law.

If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace accident in New Jersey, call (201) 944-9200 or use our Online Form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

Vehicle crashed into a commercial building in South Brunswick, New Jersey, illustrating the risks of workplace accidents involving negligent drivers.
A vehicle crashing into a commercial building highlights the unexpected workplace hazards that can leave New Jersey employees injured and in need of workers' compensation or personal injury guidance.

Workplace Accidents Aren't Always Caused by Employers

When people hear the words "workplace accident," they often think about construction falls, machinery accidents, repetitive stress injuries, or lifting heavy objects. While those incidents are common, employees can also suffer serious injuries because of the negligence of someone who has no relationship with their employer.

A distracted driver may crash into a restaurant. A delivery truck may strike a storefront. A vehicle may enter a warehouse, office building, medical facility, or retail business without warning.

Although these accidents are unusual, they often result in devastating injuries that leave workers facing medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about their future.

Common Injuries After a Vehicle Crashes Into a Business

When a vehicle strikes a commercial building, employees inside may suffer injuries from the impact itself, collapsing materials, shattered glass, or flying debris.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Lacerations from broken glass
  • Knee injuries
  • Psychological trauma and anxiety following the accident

Even injuries that appear minor immediately after the collision can become more serious over time, making prompt medical evaluation extremely important.

Does Workers' Compensation Cover This Type of Workplace Accident?

In many cases, yes.

If you were injured while performing your job duties, New Jersey's workers' compensation system may provide benefits regardless of who caused the accident.

Depending on your circumstances, workers' compensation benefits may include:

  • Authorized medical treatment
  • Temporary disability benefits while you're unable to work
  • Permanent disability benefits when appropriate
  • Death benefits for surviving dependents in fatal workplace accidents

However, obtaining authorized treatment, disability benefits, or approval for recommended medical care isn't always straightforward. Understanding your rights under Workers' Compensation can make a significant difference during your recovery.

When Could a Personal Injury Claim Also Be Available?

This is one of the most overlooked aspects of workplace accidents.

If someone outside your employer caused your injuries, you may have more than one avenue for recovery.

For example, if a negligent driver crashes into the building where you work, your workers' compensation claim may address certain benefits while a separate third-party personal injury claim may also be available against the at-fault driver, depending on the facts of the case.

These situations are legally complex and should be evaluated individually. Every accident is different, and determining whether a third-party claim exists requires a careful review of the evidence.

Our attorneys routinely evaluate Workplace Accidents to determine whether injured workers may have legal options beyond workers' compensation alone.

Why This Matters for New Jersey Workers

The South Brunswick incident is a reminder that serious workplace accidents can happen almost anywhere.

Whether you work in a restaurant, retail store, office, warehouse, manufacturing facility, healthcare setting, or another commercial property, an unexpected collision involving a vehicle can leave you with significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Knowing your legal rights early can help protect your recovery and ensure every potential source of compensation is properly evaluated.

How Khorozian Law Group Helps Injured Workers

At Khorozian Law Group, we represent injured workers and accident victims throughout New Jersey. Our team helps clients navigate the workers' compensation process while also evaluating whether negligent third parties may be legally responsible for their injuries.

If you've been hurt while working, we'll review the facts of your accident, explain your legal options, and help determine the best path forward under New Jersey law.

Learn more about ourWorkers' Compensation, Workplace Accidents, Personal Injury Lawyer, and Car Accident Lawyer services to understand how we help injured individuals across New Jersey.

Contact Khorozian Law Group

No one expects a routine workday to end with a vehicle crashing through the building where they work. Unfortunately, accidents like the recent South Brunswick incident demonstrate that these unexpected events can happen—and when they do, understanding your legal rights is essential.

If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace accident in New Jersey, contact Khorozian Law Group today. Call (201) 944-9200 or complete our Online Form for a free consultation. Our experienced team proudly represents injured workers and accident victims throughout Bergen County, Hudson County, Essex County, Passaic County, Middleslesex County, and communities across New Jersey. Hablamos español.

About the Author

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Menu