Workers’ compensation in Michigan is usually related to workplace accidents on the job. In fact, Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs made no mention of workers’ compensation related to car accidents at the time of writing this article. All references regarded standard injuries on the job.
Then, how does a car accident injury qualify for workers’ compensation? First of all, it is important to remember that omission does not mean something is forbidden. As FindLaw points out, there are some very specific instances where workers may be eligible after a motor vehicle accident. Some of the most likely ones are as follows:
- While running an errand on behalf of the employer
- While delivering a product on behalf of the employer
- While driving another employee for work-related reasons
- During travel miles that are typically compensated for by the employer
Another instance that was not broached by FindLaw, but which may also be eligible is while driving on the job. How could this happen? There are some jobs that require onsite driving. For example, an employee may shuttle staff members at a corporate building or students at a university from one end of a large property to the next. Security officers on mobile patrol of a large complex, such as an apartment building, may also be injured while operating the vehicle during patrols.
The next important question many workers may ask is, “Well, what if it was my fault? What if I was texting and driving or speeding?” Unlike with other types of car accident claims, when it comes to workers’ compensation, there is typically a no-fault policy. Thus, while it is recommended that workers drive responsibly, workers who do not may still be able to establish eligibility while they recover from their injuries.
