Who pays for auto accident injuries that occur at work?

If you drive as part of your job and you experience a debilitating auto accident injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation in Connecticut. These payments cover medical bills, lost wages and other costs associated with your injury. 

Learn more about the state laws that govern compensation for work-related motor vehicle accidents. 

Eligible injuries 

Injuries at your place of business generally qualify as work-related. With motor vehicle accident injuries, you will receive workers’ compensation coverage if you drive for a living. Even if you do not drive as a profession, you can seek workers’ comp relief after an accident injury that occurred in these circumstances: 

• Your employer was paying you to travel to or from work. 
• You do not have a regular office location and travel as part of your job. 
• You are driving a colleague at your employer’s request. 
• You were delivering something for your employer. 
• You were running an errand for your employer. 

The claims process 

When you experience an auto accident injury while performing workplace duties or while driving for a living, inform your employer about the incident right away. You should also retain all medical records and bills associated with the accident. Although you can see your own doctor in an emergency situation, your employer can choose the medical provider for your initial workers’ comp visit. 

In addition to written notification, you must submit Form 30C, Notice of Claim for Compensation, within one year of the accident. Your employer must submit a report to the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission within seven days of learning of your accident. The company must either accept or deny your claim within 28 days, or your claim will receive automatic acceptance. In some cases, the company will begin payments before making a final determination. 

If your employer questions whether your auto accident occurred in an employment capacity or otherwise denies your claim, the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission will hold a hearing to review evidence and make a determination.