Work-related motor vehicle injuries are far more common than most people probably realize. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nearly one out of every four (24%) of work-related deaths involve motor vehicle wrecks. Many more workers end up suffering injuries in such accidents that leave them debilitated, at least for a while.

Just the same, navigating a workers' compensation claim related to a motor vehicle accident isn't always easy. Motor vehicle accidents are only covered under workers' compensation under specific situations. 

When Does Workers' Compensation Cover a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Typically, you can expect workers' comp to pick up your medical bills and cover some of your lost wages if you were in a wreck while:

• Making sales calls for your job
• Making deliveries 
• Traveling between job sites 
• Traveling on business
• Dropping off materials or supplies

Generally speaking, workers' comp only covers motor vehicle accidents that are related to the scope of your employment. In other words, you may not be able to collect unless you were on the clock at the time of the accident.

When Can Workers' Compensation Refuse to Cover a Motor Vehicle Accident?

A lot of workers who are injured in motor vehicle accidents are told that their injuries and losses aren't covered under workers' comp because of something known as the "going and coming" rule. In essence, your employer isn't required to cover motor vehicle wrecks that take place when you're heading into work or heading home again.

There are quite a few exceptions to this rule, however, that can come into play. Workers' comp may be required to cover you if the accident happened while you were:

Using employer-provided transportation: For example, some large companies provide shuttle services for their employees in urban areas. If an employee is injured in an accident while riding one of these, the employer may be responsible.

Furthering your employer's interests: For example, maybe your employer forgot to give the person opening the building in the morning the necessary keys. You pass that person's house on your way home, so you agree to drop off the keys. If you're in a wreck while doing so, workers' comp should be responsible because you were acting on your employer's behalf. 

Running an errand for your employer: This is an issue that frequently comes up when an employee is asked to get doughnuts on the way into work or pick up lunch for the office and wrecks. Even if you were technically not even in the office yet or on an "extended lunch," you were still doing your employer's bidding at the time.

If you've been injured in a work-related wreck, don't accept a denied claim without a fight. A workers' compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your interests against your employer and the insurance company involved.