Can I Claim Workers’ Comp If I Was Injured While Traveling for Work?

Frequently Asked Questions About Work-related Car Accidents and Other Business Travel Injuries

Business or corporate travel can have its perks. It can get you out of your cubicle and break up the monotony that often comes with office life. But what happens if you are injured in a car accident or other mishap while on the job or traveling for business? Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about travel-related work accidents and workers’ compensation.

You may have the right to compensation if you sustained an injury while on a business trip. To learn more about your legal options following a work-related car accident, contact LNN. Our Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers have helped business professionals secure maximum compensation for their injuries. Schedule a free consultation today at (213) 232-4848 to discuss your options following a work-related injury.

What are the most common accidents sustained while on a business trip?

Business travelers can suffer injuries in a wide range of circumstances. Some common business travel accidents include the following:

• Car Accidents – Auto accidents are the most frequent cause of business travel injuries. Workers traveling in their own vehicle, company vehicle, or rental car can suffer injuries as a result of their own actions or those of other drivers. Uber or Lyft users traveling for work can be injured in crashes caused by rideshare drivers or other motorists. 
• Slips and Falls – Another common source of work-related accidents is slips and falls. Falls can occur almost anywhere but are especially common in workplaces, hotels, restaurants, sidewalks, and airports.
• Pedestrian Accidents – Accidents can occur when a pedestrian or driver is distracted, under the influence, or not obeying traffic laws, but can also be caused by unmarked crosswalks or missing or malfunctioning traffic signals.
• Air Travel Injuries – Business travelers can suffer injuries on the jetway, when heavy luggage falls from the overhead bins or by turbulence, which can cause injuries to those seated or moving about the cabin.

Can I file for workers’ compensation if I was injured on a business trip? 

If you were traveling while on business, the entire trip is typically considered work-related. Therefore, expenses related to injuries sustained in a car accident or any other travel-related work injury should be covered by workers’ compensation.

Can I file for workers’ comp if I was injured while commuting to work?

If you were in a car accident while driving to or from work, you are generally not able to file a workers’ compensation claim. This also applies to auto accidents that occur while driving on your lunch break and running personal errands during working hours.

Can I receive workers’ compensation for getting injured while driving on the job?

Generally, yes. If you were driving as part of your job or “within the scope of your employment,” it is considered a work-related accident and is covered by workers’ compensation. This also includes car crashes that occur while you are running business-related errands or completing a task as directed by your employer. You may also be eligible if you were in a car accident while on your employer’s premises, such as your company parking lot.

What expenses are covered by workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses related to your travel-related work injury. It also covers a portion of your lost wages after your accident and, in some cases, provides temporary or permanent disability benefits should you be unable to return to work as a result of your injuries.

How much time do I have to file a workers’ comp claim?

In California, all work-related injuries must be reported within 30 days of the accident, and all claims must be filed within one year of the date the injury occurred. However, it is typically best to file a workers’ comp claim as soon as possible to ensure you get all necessary forms in before the deadline and receive the much-needed benefits right away.

What if workers’ comp doesn’t cover my expenses?

In some cases, you may be able to secure additional damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to see if you may be eligible.

Additional Sources of Compensation Beyond Workers’ Comp

Workers’ comp may be the first source of financial support after a business travel injury, but it is not usually the only one available. Limiting yourself to that type of recovery can greatly reduce your options. Multiple forms of compensation may be available depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Travel Accident Insurance 

This protection can be two-fold. First, many employers provide travel accident insurance policies for employees– especially those who frequently travel. These policies may offer payouts for accidental injuries or death occurring during business travel. If your employer has such coverage, you may be entitled to compensation in addition to workers’ comp benefits. In addition, you may have some protection under your own credit card or other insurance policies.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

While you cannot sue your employer directly under the workers’ comp system, you may bring a personal injury claim against a negligent third party. This may include another driver, a hotel, a property owner, an airline, a rideshare driver, or a manufacturer of defective equipment. A third-party claim may allow for compensation not available under workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.

Credit Card Travel Benefits

Many employees use corporate or personal credit cards while traveling. Some cards offer built-in travel accident coverage, rental car insurance, or medical reimbursement benefits. These programs may help pay for medical care, lodging delays, or transportation after an injury. Checking the benefits associated with your card is often worthwhile.

Factors That Influence Compensation

The amount of compensation available after a work-related travel injury can vary significantly. Several factors influence the value of your case, including:

• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries typically require more medical treatment and lead to greater wage loss, increasing the overall compensation.
• Time away from work: The longer your recovery, the more wage-replacement benefits you may receive.
• Extent of medical treatment: Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term treatment plans add to the total compensation amount.
• Whether a third party contributed to the accident: If another person or business is legally responsible, you may pursue additional compensation outside workers’ comp.
• Impact on your future earning capacity: If the injury prevents you from performing your job at the same level, you may qualify for permanent disability or additional damages.

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on the circumstances, injured workers may qualify for several different forms of financial relief after a business travel accident. These may include:

• Medical treatment costs, including hospital care, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up visits
• Wage replacement benefits for the time you are unable to work
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation, if retraining is necessary
• Pain and suffering, available in third-party claims
• Property damage compensation, such as the repair or replacement of a vehicle

By understanding all potential sources of compensation, you can ensure that you are not leaving money on the table during your recovery.

A Strong Legal Team Can Make a Difference

Travel-related accidents often involve multiple insurance companies, state-specific rules, and overlapping claims. LNN frequently assists employees injured while traveling for business and understands how to pursue workers’ comp and third-party claims simultaneously. Our team helps gather evidence, coordinate medical documentation, and pursue every avenue of compensation available under California law.

Speak with a Los Angeles Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Learn More

You may have the right to compensation if you were injured while traveling for work. While workers’ compensation may cover your basic financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, in some cases, you may be entitled to additional damages in a personal injury claim.

To learn more about your options following a work-related car accident or other business travel injury, call LNN. Our dedicated team of workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles have secured millions on behalf of injured workers across Southern California and will work hard to get you the maximum compensation following a business travel injury. Call (213) 232-4848 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with one of our qualified attorneys.