Does Workers’ Comp Cover Car Accidents?

A crash can be a workers’ compensation claim when the employee was performing work or traveling for the employer, but the result depends on the state’s course-of-employment rules and the facts. A California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board decision describes the ordinary commute rule and a special-mission exception; other states may use different rules. Workers’ compensation addresses the employee’s work injury; it is separate from liability for damage to vehicles or injuries to other people.

Report the injury through the workers’ compensation process and the appropriate auto insurer. Check the policy’s covered states and employee classifications, and confirm that business auto or hired-and-non-owned auto coverage addresses liability to others. Personal auto coverage may not address an employee’s work-related liability to another party; business auto forms and workers’ compensation address distinct losses. Report the facts to both relevant insurers.