Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Single-Car Accidents on the Job?

If you’re driving for work and you get injured due to a single-car accident, you may be wondering if you can file for workers’ compensation.

What Is a Single-Car Accident?

A single-car accident is any accident that involves just one driver and one vehicle rather than multiple drivers. Here a few examples:

• A driver overturns their SUV while making a sharp turn.
  
• A driver’s tire explodes, and their car runs off of the road into a tree.
  
• A driver loses control of their car in icy conditions and hits a stationary object like a guardrail or lamppost.
  
• A driver hits an animal that’s crossing the road, such as a deer.
  

Single-Car Accidents Are Generally Covered If You’re Driving as Part of Work-Related Duties

You may think that, since single-car accidents are often the driver’s fault, you cannot get compensation for your injuries. However, this is not the case.

Even if you were at fault for the accident may still qualify for workers’ compensation for your injuries if you were driving as part of your work-related duties.

This is because workers’ compensation is “no-fault” coverage. It generally doesn’t matter who was responsible for the accident. As long as you experienced injuries in the course of your normal, work-related duties, you can file a workers comp claim. For example, this can include:

• Driving from one worksite location to another
• Making a delivery or running an errand for a boss or employer
• Transporting one or more employees for business purposes

It’s also important to note that you may be eligible for workers’ compensation regardless of the vehicle you’re driving. Whether you’re driving a vehicle owned by your employer or a personal vehicle, you can file a claim if you are injured while driving on the job. 

Are There Exceptions? 

Yes. First, your daily commute to and from work generally is not covered by workers’ compensation – since you are merely traveling to work and not working. There are exceptions, of course, such as if your boss asks you to run a work-related errand on your way into work.

Another exception is if you leave a work-related route to run a personal errand. For example, if you don’t go directly to a job site but stop by a restaurant to pick up lunch and get into an accident, you may not be covered by your workers’ compensation insurance policy.

Injured While Driving For Work? Speak With a St. Louis Work Injury Attorney

At The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, our experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys can fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a work-related car accident. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review.