If you work in a relatively safe profession, you may believe that the greatest danger you face every day is simply driving to and from work. You know that car accidents lead to serious injuries and even fatalities day in and day out. Your commute creates much more personal injury risk than your job itself.
Because you would not have to drive through that hazardous commute if you were not employed, does this mean that you may qualify for workers’ comp benefits if you get injured? Does your employer have to provide these benefits to cover lost wages, medical bills and other such costs?
Your commute generally does not qualify
In most cases, a driver who is injured on their commute is not going to qualify for workers’ comp benefits. They have to be on the job and performing the duties associated with their employment in order to seek those benefits. These do not start until they arrive at work, and they end the moment they leave.
There are some exceptions to be aware of, however. In some cases, an employer may ask an employee to do something work-related on the way into the office, for example, meaning they may deserve workers’ comp benefits. In other cases, workers will be told that they have to drive between job sites while they are still on the clock. If they get in an accident during that trip, they may also be able to seek workers’ comp benefits.
Navigating the legal process
You can see how this could create a complex situation where you believe that you deserve benefits and your employer says that you do not qualify. If you find yourself in this position, be sure you know what legal options you have.