In a dramatic accident on the Georgia set of the movie The Pickup, 8 crew members were hospitalized following a collision between an armored truck and an SUV during an action sequence on April 23, 2024. The crash took place at an airport outside Atlanta, where the armored truck, attempting to perform a tactical maneuver, collided with a BMW X5 SUV.
According to The New York Times, the accident happened when the truck swerved into the SUV, leading both vehicles off-road and onto grass, where the truck flipped over the smaller vehicle. During the incident, 2 crew members were ejected from the truck and sustained life-threatening injuries, and a third crew member was seriously injured. None of the actors in the film, which includes Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, and Pete Davidson, were injured in the incident.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon MGM Studios said, “Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned and several members of the crew were injured as a result. We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering.”
The collision’s aftermath reveals potential safety lapses. Although Amazon MGM Studios confirmed safety reviews were conducted before the sequence, there was no on-site ambulance, contrary to standard industry practices for high-risk stunts. Emergency services were eventually summoned, but conflicting reports emerged regarding the delay in response time.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have initiated inquiries into the incident, highlighting broader concerns about on-set safety protocols in film productions.
Industry experts noted that incidents like these are rare due to the stringent safety measures usually employed in Hollywood. Seasoned prop master Dutch Merrick stated that the incident was an anomaly in a field known for careful stunt execution. The accident has raised questions about whether all appropriate precautions were taken and prompted reassessments of safety measures in high-stakes movie scenes.
Are injured workers covered by workers’ comp in company vehicle accidents?
Yes, workers’ compensation would generally cover the injured film crew workers in this scenario, as the accident occurred while performing their job duties on set. Workers’ compensation insurance typically covers injuries employees sustain on the job, including those from work-related vehicle accidents that occur during high-risk tasks like stunts on a film set.
In this case, despite the unique setting and nature of the incident, workers’ compensation benefits would be available to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the crew members’ injuries.
Under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law, any injury that occurs in the scope of employment is covered, regardless of fault or specific location. This means that employees whose jobs require driving, such as truck drivers, public transit workers, or film crew members involved in stunts, are protected if they’re injured in an accident while on duty.
Workers’ compensation typically applies to accidents with company vehicles or privately owned vehicles as long as they occur during work-related tasks.
Can I sue my employer if I get injured because they didn’t follow safety protocols?
In most cases, Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws prevent you from suing your employer directly, even if safety violations contributed to your injury. Workers’ comp is designed to be a no-fault system, meaning it covers your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault, but it also shields employers from lawsuits by injured workers.
However, there are some exceptions. If your employer intentionally or recklessly disregarded safety regulations in a way that goes beyond ordinary negligence, or if they are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance as required by law, you might be able to pursue a lawsuit.
Additionally, if a third party (someone other than your employer) caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that third party in addition to collecting workers’ comp from your employer.
Consulting with a work injury attorney can help you understand your specific situation and explore any potential avenues for holding your employer or a third party accountable beyond standard workers’ comp benefits.
When Can You Sue a Third Party for a Work-Related Injury?
Learn about third-party liability in Georgia workers’ compensation cases.
How can an attorney help with my workers’ comp claim after a car accident at work?
If you’ve been involved in a work-related car accident in the Atlanta area and are considering a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim (or both), consulting with a local Georgia workers’ compensation attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and weigh whether a personal injury suit is worthwhile based on the potential compensation you could receive beyond what workers’ comp typically offers.
An attorney can also help ensure you get the full compensation you deserve, as workers’ comp benefits are often negotiated before being paid out. With a lawyer advocating on your behalf, you’re more likely to secure the maximum compensation available to you. Additionally, if your situation involves third-party negligence (like an at-fault driver), an attorney can guide you through filing both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit.
Seeking legal assistance early on will provide you with the expertise needed to navigate each step, make informed decisions, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Injured in a work-related car accident in Atlanta? We can help!
If you’ve been hurt in a work-related car accident or any other work accident in Georgia, you don’t have to face the challenges of filing a claim alone. At Gerber & Holder, we bring over 75 years of combined experience to support injured workers like you in navigating the complexities of workers’ comp.
Our dedicated Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys know the ins and outs of securing maximum compensation and will handle every detail of your case—from negotiating with insurance adjusters to exploring additional avenues of compensation through third-party claims. During an initial consultation, we can answer your questions, walk you through your rights and options, and begin strategizing on the best approach for your unique case.
Contact Gerber & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today to schedule your free appointment and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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References
Stevens, M. (2024, April 24). Video Shows Crash That Injured Crew Members of “The Pickup.” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/24/arts/the-pickup-accident-video.html
