Does Workers’ Comp Cover Car Accidents?
A car crash may qualify for workers’ comp when the employee was acting for work; ordinary commuting and personal trips may be treated differently.
California recognizes an ordinary commute rule and a special-mission exception, while other states may use different course-of-employment tests. Workers’ compensation addresses the employee’s injury, while auto liability covers separate claims by other injured people or for vehicle damage.
Report the injury to the workers’ compensation insurer and the appropriate auto insurer. Document the work purpose and route, and check business-auto coverage for liability to others.
