When you are injured in an auto accident that wasn't your fault, you can hire an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit. When you are injured at work, you can often claim workers’ compensation benefits if you agree not to sue your employer. What happens if you’re injured in a car accident while at work? Here are some answers to common questions regarding workers’ comp and automobile accidents.

A Brief Guide to Work-Related Car Accidents

Does workers’ compensation cover car accidents?

It depends on whether the trip was work-based or not. If you were driving as a part of your job duties, then the accident is likely covered. If you were running a business-related errand for your boss, it is also likely covered.

However, if you were running a personal errand as a favor for your boss, it probably isn’t covered under workers’ comp. If it happened outside of work hours and wasn’t business-related — picking up their dry cleaning, for example — it won’t be covered.

Does it matter who was at fault?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance plan. It doesn’t matter if you were partly to blame for the accident; you can still claim benefits if it occurred during job-related activities.

Does it cover driving to work?

Workers’ compensation does not cover accidents that occur between work and home. This is considered personal time.

However, if you are driving to a job site from your employer's facility, that is normally considered a business-related trip. Discuss the particulars with an experienced auto accident attorney.

Are there other options?

Although fault does not matter for workers’ compensation, it matters for a personal injury suit. If the other driver is at fault, you may be able to recover damages from them through a personal injury lawsuit on top of collecting workers’ comp benefits. Remember that you must agree not to sue your employer if you receive the benefits.

If you need a skilled auto accident attorney, contact the Law Office Of T J Morelli-Wolfe PC in Norwich, CT. They have been helping clients in Connecticut and New York receive justice for nearly 25 years. They also specialize in medical malpractice, work injuries, drunk driving accidents, and other personal injury cases. Visit their website for more information or call (860) 859-9899 to arrange a consultation.