If you’re involved in a car accident, you may explore all potential ways to seek compensation for your injuries. During this process, you might wonder if your incident qualifies as a workplace accident. If so, this could entitle you to workers’ compensation.
It is certainly true that a car accident can qualify, and it is one of the main risks for people in many professions. Semi-truck drivers, delivery drivers, mail carriers, rideshare drivers, taxi drivers and others often have driving as a critical part of their job duties. If driving is essential to your profession and you get injured in an accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
What if it happens during your commute?
Things become more complicated if the accident occurs during your commute to work. In many cases, a commuting accident will not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. After all, you’re not technically on the clock while driving to work, nor are you performing your job duties. While it’s true that the only reason you’re on the road is to get to work, commuting accidents typically do not qualify.
That said, some commuting accidents can qualify. For example, if your boss assigns you a task during your commute—such as picking up supplies—it may be considered work-related. Similarly, if you’re required to travel to a central office before heading to a worksite, or if you commute between worksites during the day, those accidents may qualify because you are actively performing job-related duties at the time of the crash.
Given the complexity of these situations, be sure to explore all your legal options to determine your eligibility for compensation.