A Pennsylvania state trooper was injured on the job last week when the police cruiser he was driving was hit by the car he was pursing. The accident happened shortly before 5 p.m. on New Falls Road in Bristol Township.

When the accident occurred, the 46-year-old trooper was in pursuit of a 1998 Buick Century driven by a 31-year-old New Jersey resident. The Buick hit the driver-side front fender of the cruiser after trying to evade the police by making a U-turn in a bank parking lot. After the collision, the Buick left the scene. The driver of the car was later arrested. The Buick was originally being pursued for speeding.

The trooper reportedly suffered minor injuries to his back and neck as a result of the collision. In addition, the driver of the Buick lacerated his left arm. Both were taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in Langhorne for treatment.

When a worker is injured on the job and cannot work while recovering, workers compensation benefits are usually available. These benefits may cover lost wages and provide medical benefits. In Pennsylvania, businesses employing private workers are required to have workers' compensation insurance. Employees in the public sector are entitled to the same benefits. To obtain the benefits, the injured party needs to file a workers' compensation claim.

In addition to filing a workers' compensation claim, depending on the circumstances, the trooper may have a personal injury claim against the driver of the Buick as well. When a person negligently operates a car and causes injury to a person or damage to property, the driver of that car may have to financially compensate the injured person or property owner.

Source: The Inquirer, "Trooper hurt in crash with suspected speeder," Robert Moran, Aug. 24, 2011