Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation After a Car Accident on the Job?

When a worker is injured in a car accident while doing work-related tasks, one of the most important questions is whether or not the injury qualifies for workers' comp. In Ohio, workers' compensation benefits are designed to help employees heal from job-related injuries without having to prove that the employer was at fault.

When an accident occurs while driving a car, the situation will become more complex. Not every accident that occurs in a vehicle will be covered. The car accident must have occurred when the person was on the job.

Here, we take a look at the rules in Ohio around car accidents and workers' compensation benefits. We also examine the circumstances that may qualify, the common challenges workers face, and the role a legal professional can play in protecting the rights of workers. They can also help with questions like Do I qualify for workers’ compensation if I’m a contractor?

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Ohio And How it Helps Injured Workers

In Ohio, most employers are required to hold workers compensation insurance. This means that employees who are injured when performing their job duties can be covered by Ohio workers' comp. Unlike a personal injury claim, an injured person doesn't need to prove the employer was negligent because Ohio has a no fault system in place. Instead, the main question is whether or not the injury was sustained during the "course and scope of employment."

Benefits might include:

• Payment of medical expenses and medical bills

• Partial wage loss benefits for replacement for time missed from work.

• Vocational rehabilitation, if an employee cannot return to the same line of work.

• Disability benefits for long-term or permanent impairments.

Car accidents, however, offer a unique challenge because many employees drive for personal reasons and for work. If it was a work related injury, the accident is eligible for workers' comp. If the accident occurred when the worker was doing something personal, the accident would not be eligible.

Auto Accidents and Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Not every car crash that involved an employee will fall into Ohio workers compensation system. The law in Ohio distinguishes between an injury that occurred when doing job duties and those that have occurred outside the scope of employment.

For instance, if an employee is driving to work to start their shift, and they get in a traffic accident, workers' compensation generally will not apply. However, if the worker is driving as part of their job responsibilities, such as making a delivery, benefits for injuries sustained may apply.

The rules are fairly straightforward: an accident will qualify if it occurs while the worker is doing a task to benefit the employer. So, location, timing, and the purpose of the travel are key factors that are used to determine eligibility. For more information, a workmans compensation law firm in Columbus OH may be able to help.

Scenarios Where Workers’ Compensation May Apply Following a Car Crash

There are several scenarios that may show when an accident does or does not fall under workers' comp in Ohio:

Driving is Part of the Job

A worker whose primary job is to drive for the company is usually covered. This includes truck drivers, delivery drivers, rideshare employees (in certain conditions), and traveling sales employees. They may or may not be driving a company car. Basically, if the employee is "on the clock" and driving, generally the accident is covered by workers' compensation.

The Accident Happened When Running Errands for the Employer

Employees who are asked to drive and run an errand for the employer, such as dropping off a package, picking up supplies, or making a deposit to the bank may also be covered if the accident happened when en route.

Traveling Between Worksites

Workers who must move between one fixed location to another may also be covered as travel is considered part of the job. For instance, a utility worker who is traveling from one city to another, a nurse who is traveling from one medical office to another, or an inspector often falls into this category.

Using a Company Vehicle

When an employer provides work vehicles for business use, accidents that occur while driving that vehicle for work-related purposes are often covered by workers’ compensation. If the worker was driving the vehicle outside of work hours, it would not be covered.

When Workers’ Compensation Does Not Apply

The scenarios above are examples of situations that are clearly covered by the Ohio BWC. There are also clear examples of when situations are not eligible:

• Normal commuting: The “coming and going rule” excludes coverage for accidents that occur during a typical commute to or from work.

• Personal errands: If the worker takes a personal detour unrelated to work duties, the accident may not qualify.

• Policy violations: Accidents caused by driving under the influence, reckless behavior, or other violations of company policy may be denied.

• Independent contractors: Workers who are classified as independent contractors rather than employees are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation.

Understanding this helps workers determine whether their circumstances may entitle them to benefits. If there are questions, it's best to get legal help from an experienced lawyer. They can also assist with questions such as Do I qualify for workers’ compensation with a pre-existing condition?

Interaction Between Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims

An important part of these car accident cases is that more than one type of claim to file. Workers' compensation covers things like medical care, hospital stays, financial compensation, and training. However, it doesn't cover pain and suffering.

This means that a person injured in a car accident can also file a personal injury claim against the other driver's insurance company, in addition to getting workers' comp, as long as their driving was considered work related.

A person in this situation has legal rights, and an attorney can help determine if the worker is eligible.

Proving Eligibility After a Work-Related Car Accident

Workers compensation claims that involve a car accident often rely on proof. To be eligible, the worker must show that the accident happened while they were working. Some important parts to this include:

• Documenting the accident: Filing a police report and reporting the incident to the employer as soon as possible.

• Gathering evidence of work-related travel: Delivery logs, GPS records, or dispatch instructions can help establish that the trip was part of job duties.

• Medical documentation: Prompt medical treatment creates a record connecting the injuries to the accident. Medical records from a medical provider are often used.

• Witness testimony: Statements from coworkers or supervisors confirming that the travel was job-related may strengthen a claim.

Without this documentation, disputes with insurers or employers are more likely.

Common Challenges with Work-Related Car Accident Claims

Even when a worker believes their accident is clearly job-related, challenges can arise. Employers or insurers may dispute claims for several reasons:

• Arguing that the accident occurred during a personal errand or commute.

• Claiming the worker was not acting within the scope of employment.

• Citing pre-existing injuries as the cause of ongoing medical issues rather than the accident.

• Delaying or denying claims, forcing the worker to pursue an appeal.

These challenges can make the process overwhelming, particularly for employees already coping with medical treatment and lost income.

How an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

Because of the complexities involved in car accident-related claims, many injured workers choose to work with an attorney. A workers’ compensation lawyer can:

• Evaluate whether the accident qualifies under Ohio law.

• Collect evidence to prove that the travel was work-related.

• Represent the worker in disputes, hearings, and appeals.

• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims with any third-party lawsuits to maximize recovery.

Attorneys familiar with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) process, like those at Larrimer & Larrimer, can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

Get Legal Help Today to Protect Your Legal Rights

Qualifying for workers’ compensation after a car accident depends on whether the worker was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash. While normal commutes and personal errands are generally excluded, accidents that occur while driving for the benefit of the employer often qualify for benefits. Because disputes are common and eligibility is not always straightforward, many workers turn to experienced attorneys for help.

For injured employees in Columbus, seeking professional legal guidance can provide clarity, strengthen a claim, and ensure the best chance of receiving the full benefits allowed under Ohio law. Reach out to Larrimer & Larrimer for a free consultation.