If you work as a delivery driver or find yourself behind the wheel for any work-related activity, you will likely be covered under workers’ compensation if you’re injured in an accident. Passengers who are also on the job may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. The critical factor is that the driving must have been job-related.
Did the accident occur during the course of your employment?
Workers’ compensation only covers injuries for accidents that occur during the course of employment. In other words, you must have been performing a job-related task when the accident occurred. A job-related task may include:
- Making deliveries
- Driving another employee for a work-related reason
- Running a work-related errand
- Driving between one worksite and another
There are exceptions for commuting to and from work. You will not receive workers’ compensation for an accident that occurred while traveling from home to your workplace.
What if the accident was my fault?
Workers’ compensation claims are different from personal injury or civil litigation matters. The workers’ comp system is not interested in assigning blame. You should still be eligible to receive benefits, even if the accident was entirely your fault. You only need to show that you were doing your job at the time of the accident.
Don’t let concerns about fault prevent you from pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. You should report any injuries to your employer as soon as possible. You should also consider speaking with a legal professional. The workers’ compensation system can be complicated. Having someone who understands the system and who can help guide your claim can help ensure a smooth recovery.
