Accidents during a commute are very common. For one thing, traffic levels are highest as people are commuting to work or heading home again at night. For another, many people are in a rush, trying to get to work on time, so they may make mistakes like tailgating or running a red light.
If you do get injured in a car accident on your way to work, what comes next? Would you be able to file a workers’ comp claim? After all, you were heading to your place of employment, and your injuries may keep you from working, so can you seek workers’ comp benefits for lost wages, medical bills and other expenses?
Workers’ comp often does not apply
Unfortunately, the reality is that most employees are not covered during their commute. They only receive workers’ comp benefits once they are on the clock.
There are some exceptions to this rule, especially if the employee is performing work-related duties during their commute. This could include something like bringing supplies to the office. You may also be able to seek workers’ comp benefits if you are traveling between work sites during the workday, rather than commuting to or from work.
That said, if another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may still have options to seek financial compensation through a personal injury claim. But you would have to sue that driver directly, or work with their insurance company, rather than filing a workers’ comp claim.
These things can be nuanced and complicated, and it is understandable that it may be overwhelming to try to figure out what compensation you deserve after being seriously injured. That is when it can help to work with an experienced attorney.