If you get injured on the job, odds are that you are covered by workers’ compensation laws. Most employees are. These laws stipulate that your employer has to cover a portion of your lost wages and your medical bills if you are hurt on the job while doing the duties and tasks that have been assigned to you.
But what about your commute to work at the beginning of the day, or your drive home after the day concludes? You are not technically working at either of these times, but the only reason you are driving is because of your employment. If you get involved in a car accident during your commute, will that be covered by the same workers’ comp benefits?
Not in most cases
As a general rule, the answer is no. Workers’ comp only applies when you are on the clock and doing your job. The “going and coming rule” has been established to state that this does not include a person’s commute. If you are injured in a car accident during your commute, you may have the option to sue the driver who caused the crash, but you cannot seek compensation from your employer.
That said, there are some exceptions. For instance, maybe your employer has asked you to drive to a different location in the middle of your shift. Or perhaps you have been given jobs to accomplish while you are commuting to work, like picking up supplies or making a delivery. In these cases, you may be covered because you are performing the duties that go along with your job at the time of the accident.
Workplace injuries can be severe and may keep you off the job for a significant amount of time, so be sure you know about all of your options to seek workers’ comp benefits.