Automobile Accidents While on the Job

If you’re involved in an automobile accident while working, the you may have a workers’ compensation claim.  Typically, accidents occurring while driving your personal vehicle to and from work are not covered by workers’ compensation.  However, there are certain instances when an you may be covered.  If your employer agrees to provide transportation to and from work and provides a company van or provides the employee a vehicle and reimburses for gas and mileage, then an accident will usually be covered.  Accidents are also covered by workers’ compensation if the you are on a special errand for your employer at the time of the accident.

For example, if an employee is asked to deliver items to a meeting or making a deposit at a bank and while traveling is in an accident then the employee should be covered under workers compensation insurance.  If an employee travels for work as a sales professional or a truck driver and working at the time of the accident, the employee would also be covered.  Sometimes, an employee may be driving partly to benefit the employer and partly for personal reasons which requires the application of the Dual Purpose Rule.  So long as the employee is doing something that benefits the employer on the trip, the employee is likely to be covered by workers’ compensation.

If you are injured on the job, you should consult an attorney for advice.