Workplace injuries can come in a variety of forms. Slips, trips and falls can occur in almost any setting. People working with heavy machinery may risk other injuries like electrocution. Repeated motion can create strain over time.
In the United States, transportation-related injuries are common workplace accidents and are the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents. This may leave workers questioning whether they can receive compensation for a car crash. The answer to that question depends on your specific situation.
When will workers’ compensation cover injuries related to a crash?
Generally, workers’ compensation will cover injuries related to a car accident if the crash occurred while the employee was doing tasks directly related to their work. This might include:
- Driving to an off-site business meeting
- Traveling between work sites
- Dropping off a coworker, client or other business connection at the airport after work-related travel
- Delivering products to a client
- Traveling to purchase or pick up supplies
Essentially, if you are considered “on the clock” while driving, injuries related to a crash during that time may qualify for workers’ compensation.
What crashes might not qualify?
Not every travel during the workday would help an injured person qualify for workers’ compensation. While commuting to your usual job site or heading out to pick up lunch may seem like work-related travel, these tasks are not directly related to your work and are generally not considered “on the clock” time. As a result, injuries sustained in a crash during these types of travel are unlikely to qualify for workers’ compensation, though you may still have the opportunity to file a personal injury claim.
While not every crash qualifies, workers’ compensation provides some people with the support they need to heal after a collision.