Getting into a car accident while performing job duties creates a unique legal situation that often allows you to seek compensation from more than one source. Many workers do not realize that an injury sustained while driving for work—whether to deliver items, meet clients, or complete a task for your supervisor—may qualify for both workers’ compensation and a third-party injury claim. At The Ammons Law Firm, we help clients navigate these complex cases to pursue the full recovery they’re entitled to under the law.
The path forward after a work-related car accident depends on how the crash occurred, who was involved, and whether your employer’s insurance or another party may be legally responsible. Understanding these distinctions early can help protect your rights, ensure access to medical treatment, and prevent insurance complications.
When Is a Car Accident Considered Work-Related?
To determine whether a car accident is work-related, courts examine whether you were performing tasks that benefited your employer at the time of the crash. If you were acting in the course and scope of your employment—meaning your trip was work-motivated—it may qualify as a job-related incident. This determination is essential to triggering eligibility for workers’ compensation.
A car accident is often considered work-related if it occurred while:
- Making a delivery or transporting business-related materials
- Picking up supplies or equipment for your employer
- Driving to client meetings or job sites
- Running errands at the request of a supervisor
- Traveling between locations during work hours
- Using a company vehicle for authorized business purposes
- Attending off-site work-related events or training sessions
Ordinary commutes to and from work are usually not covered. However, if your employer directed you to perform a task during your commute—such as picking up office supplies or making a delivery—the “special mission” exception may apply. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all job-related deaths.
Workers’ Compensation in Work-Related Car Accident Claims
Workers’ compensation provides a crucial safety net for employees injured while performing work duties. This system covers accidents that occur during authorized work tasks, regardless of fault. That means even if you contributed to the crash, you may still be eligible for benefits.
Workers’ compensation typically includes:
- Payment for medical treatment related to your injuries
- Partial wage replacement during recovery (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
- Long-term disability benefits if your injuries cause permanent impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation services if you can no longer perform your previous job
However, workers’ compensation has important limitations. It does not cover pain and suffering or emotional distress. Compensation for lost income is capped, which may leave high-wage earners undercompensated. Additionally, deadlines and paperwork must be followed exactly—missing a step can delay or deny benefits.
Some employers misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation benefits. If this occurs, our Workplace Accident Attorneys can help you correct that misclassification and protect your rights under the law.
Third-Party Claims Can Provide Additional Compensation
If your accident was caused by someone outside your company, you may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp benefits. This could allow you to recover damages that workers’ comp does not cover.
You may have a third-party claim against:
- Another driver who caused the crash
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer (if the crash involved a mechanical defect)
- A contractor or business that created road hazards
- A bar or restaurant that overserved a driver who later caused the crash
- A government entity that failed to maintain safe roads
Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims can compensate you for:
- Full wage loss (not just partial replacement)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
Studies from the Insurance Research Council show that people who work with attorneys in injury claims receive settlements nearly 3.5 times larger than those who go it alone. These claims are not mutually exclusive—both types of recovery can proceed at once, with careful coordination.
Coordinating Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury Claims
Bringing a personal injury case while receiving workers’ comp requires legal precision. If not handled correctly, a third-party settlement could interfere with your workers’ compensation benefits or trigger a reimbursement claim from your employer’s insurance carrier. Our attorneys carefully structure these cases to avoid such conflicts and maximize your total compensation.
We assist clients by:
- Proving that the trip or errand was work-related using records and witness statements
- Identifying third-party liability and pursuing all responsible parties
- Managing subrogation issues to avoid repayment conflicts
- Calculating long-term damages beyond what workers’ comp provides
- Negotiating with all insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing civil lawsuits when settlements fall short
This coordinated approach is essential for clients who suffer serious injuries and cannot afford to leave money on the table. Our Personal Injury Attorneys have handled numerous cases involving both systems and understand how to protect every aspect of your recovery.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney at The Ammons Law Firm
If you were injured in a car accident while running a work errand, you may be entitled to more than workers’ compensation. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim or deny coverage you legally deserve.
Our team will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue every available form of compensation—medical, financial, and emotional. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Contact The Ammons Law Firm today to talk to a Personal Injury Attorney and get the guidance you need to protect your future.
