{"id":353589,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/the-going-and-coming-rule.html"},"modified":"2023-08-30T11:56:20","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T16:56:20","slug":"the-going-and-coming-rule","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/the-going-and-coming-rule.html","title":{"rendered":"Workers’ Comp and the “Going and Coming” Rule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Workers' Comp and the "Going and Coming" Rule<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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The “going and coming” rule generally excludes workers\u2019 compensation coverage for injuries sustained while commuting to or from work. But exceptions exist for situations like traveling in a company vehicle, performing special errands, or working in roles that require regular travel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What’s called the “going and coming” rule relates to workers’ compensation laws. This rule determines if workers can get benefits if they get injured while traveling to or from work. The general rule is that workers’ compensation claims are generally not allowed. This is because travel is not considered part of the regular “course of employment.”<\/p>\n

Simply put, if you get in a car accident on your way to work, the insurance company usually wouldn’t count that as a workplace injury. You would need an injury lawyer<\/a> to help you get medical expenses in a personal injury case instead. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.<\/p>\n

This article overviews the going and coming rule in workers’ compensation. Understanding the exceptions to this rule can help you determine whether your injury qualified for workers’ comp benefits. A\u00a0workers’ comp attorney<\/a> in your area can also review the circumstances of your injury and explain available protections.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Going and Coming Rule of Workers’ Compensation<\/h2>\n

Employers are responsible for covering an employee’s losses from a work-related injury. This includes medical bills and missed time at work. To qualify for\u00a0workers’ compensation<\/a>, a “work-related” injury does not necessarily have to happen in the office or on the job site. For example, an injury at a work-sponsored party at a bowling alley would be covered. But driving to work is usually not considered a work-related activity.<\/p>\n

According to the going and coming rule, workers’ compensation benefits do not apply to injuries sustained while commuting to or from work. But there are exceptions. Although one could argue that the commute is job-related<\/a>, the going and coming rule was not intended for that.<\/p>\n

There are instances in which driving from Point A to Point B is considered work-related. For example, driving to multiple job sites within a shift is not considered going and coming. This is usually covered through workers’ compensation. This and other exceptions to the going and coming rule are discussed below.<\/p>\n

Exceptions to the Going and Coming Rule<\/h2>\n

There are some exceptions to the going and coming rule. For instance, the court of appeals might decide that the travel was within the scope of employment<\/a>. Be aware that this rule has certain exceptions.<\/p>\n

These exceptions include the following:<\/p>\n