Workers’ comp insurance provides essential protection to employees who suffer injuries on the job, yet confusion often exists as to whether workers’ comp car accident coverage applies. It can be tricky to determine when an employee is driving on company time, so in this article, we will examine key factors employees and employers should know about workers comp car accident claims.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation and Car Accidents
Workers’ compensation insurance provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job regardless of who was at fault, usually within their workplace or while performing job-related duties.
However, that definition can get a little more cloudy with a workers comp car accident claim, it depends on individual circumstances.
An Employee Driving Between Worksite Locations
One common scenario where workers’ compensation insurance might cover car accidents involves employees driving between workplace locations. This usually falls under their job responsibilities; should an accident happen on this commute, injuries sustained may qualify for workers’ comp benefits and could help cover injuries sustained in such an incident.
Trips Involving Deliveries or Errands
In some situations, employees may be required to use their own vehicles when performing deliveries for their employer. If involved in an auto accident during such a task assigned by their employer and part of their job responsibilities, workers’ comp benefits could still apply.
An example would be when a sales rep driving to deliver products to clients is involved in an automobile accident while making delivery; such an incident would probably qualify as work-related, and workers’ comp coverage could apply in this instance.
Transportation Between Employees
If an employee is charged with transporting another employee for business reasons and an accident ensues, workers’ comp insurance should still cover injuries sustained during that trip. This often applies when carpooling or sharing rides are encouraged or required by their employer.
For example, a manager requests an employee to pick up another coworker from home for a work-related meeting, and an accident occurs during this trip. Both employees could qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Paid Travel For Remote Employees
Employees working remotely may get approved in a workers comp car accident claim if their employer compensates them for travel time. When an employer pays employees travel costs directly related to work-related activities, a common example would be a traveling salesman; this establishes a link between travel expenses and work activities and may establish eligibility.
A Workers Comp Car Accident Claim Can Be Tricky
Workers’ comp car accident claims can be complicated and vary significantly based on the specifics surrounding an incident and an employee’s job duties. Workers’ comp insurance was designed to cover injuries sustained while performing work-related tasks; the key is determining if a car accident occurred on company time.
It’s important for both employers and employees to be aware of these factors and promote safe driving habits to prevent accidents. People behave differently when away from the office; that fact also applies when behind the wheel; knowing if you’re driving for yourself or your employee can make a difference.
