If you were injured in a road accident while driving for work, it can be difficult to know where you stand. You might be left wondering whether your employer was responsible, whether another driver was at fault, or whether it’s something insurance should deal with.
This guide explains who may be liable, what counts as driving for work, how different insurance routes apply, and what options may be available if the driver was uninsured or didn’t stop.
Who’s liable if you’re injured while driving for work?
In many cases, liability depends on what caused the accident and the circumstances around it.
If another road user caused the crash, the claim usually follows a road traffic accident route, typically through the at-fault driver’s insurer.
If work-related factors played a part (such as unrealistic expectations, fatigue, poor vehicle condition or lack of training), your employer’s responsibilities may also need to be considered.
It can help to think of it this way: liability is about who was at fault, while insurance is about which policy deals with the claim.
What counts as “driving for work”?
Driving for work usually means driving as part of your job, rather than simply travelling to and from work at the start and end of the day.
It can include things like:
- Travelling between sites or jobs
- Making deliveries or collections
- Driving to client visits or meetings
- Using your own car for work-related journeys
- Being driven in a work vehicle during the working day
Commuting to your usual place of work can be treated differently, and the details matter. If you’re unsure whether your driving counts as “for work”, seeking professional legal advice can help clarify how the rules apply to your situation.
Who might you claim against?
A driving-for-work accident can involve more than one possible route. The key is matching your situation to the right path.
| Your situation | Possible route |
| Another driver caused the crash | Road traffic accident claim |
| Work pressures or poor safety management played a part | Employer negligence route |
| You were a passenger in a work vehicle | Often motor insurance applies |
| Uninsured driver or hit-and-run | Possible claim through the Motor Insurer’s’ Bureau (MIB) |
If another driver caused the accident — RTA route
In plain terms, if the other driver was at fault, your claim is typically against their insurer. Helpful evidence can include their vehicle details, witness contact information, photos of the scene, and dashcam footage.
If your employer may be at fault — Employer negligence
Employers are expected to manage the risks that come with driving for work, not just hazards inside the workplace itself. That can include how journeys are planned, whether drivers are given enough rest, and whether work vehicles are safe to use.
Possible failings might include unrealistic schedules, long or tiring shifts, poor vehicle maintenance, lack of training, weak rules around breaks or mobile phone use, or gaps in risk management. Whether your employer is liable will always depend on the specific facts of the accident.
If you were injured as a passenger in a work vehicle
If you were injured as a passenger, the route usually depends on who caused the accident. Motor insurance commonly applies for passenger injuries in vehicle incidents, but the details matter, so it’s worth getting advice.
How insurance works
Insurance can feel confusing, especially when work is involved. In most cases, it comes down to which part of the situation caused the injury.
- Motor insurance is usually involved where a driver or vehicle was at fault, including many passenger injury situations.
- Employers’ liability insurance applies where an employee is injured because of employer negligence while working.
Once the right route is identified, claims are normally handled through insurers. It doesn’t have to turn into a personal dispute with your employer or an argument with another driver. Getting advice early can help make sure the right approach is taken from the start.
What if the driver was uninsured or didn’t stop?
An uninsured driver is someone who caused the accident but didn’t have valid motor insurance. A hit-and-run is where the driver leaves the scene and can’t be identified.
Even in those situations, you may still have options. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is an organisation that provides a route to compensation in certain cases involving uninsured or untraced drivers.
The process can feel unclear at first, but you don’t have to work it out on your own. A solicitor can explain what applies to your situation and guide you through the next steps.
What to do after a driving-for-work accident
If it’s safe to do so, taking a few steps early on can help protect your health and create a clear record of what happened:
- Get medical help and keep a note of any symptoms, even if they develop later
- Report the accident to the police where appropriate, and follow your employer’s reporting process
- Collect details of drivers and witnesses, and take photos if you can
- Ask whether dashcam or CCTV that may exist
- Keep work records such as rotas, job sheets, delivery schedules or mileage logs
- Keep receipts and note any time off work or loss of earnings
If vehicle condition or fatigue might be relevant, it can also help to write down anything you remember while it’s still fresh.
Time limits and when to get advice
Personal injury claims often have time limits, and they can vary depending on your circumstances. That’s why it’s a good idea to get advice sooner rather than later. Evidence is usually easier to gather early, and details are clearer while the incident is still fresh.
Get in touch
If you were hurt while driving for work, you might have options, even if you’re not sure who’s liable yet. In many cases, it comes down to whether another road user caused the crash, whether work-related factors played a part, or whether you need a different pathway because the driver was uninsured or didn’t stop.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you want clear guidance on what route fits your situation, we’re here to help. Simply get in touch with us to begin.
Driving for work accident FAQs
Can I make a driving for work accident claim if I was using my own car?
Using your own car for business trips or travelling between jobs can still count as driving for work. The right claim route depends on who was at fault and what happened.
Do I claim against my employer or the other driver?
If another driver caused the crash, it’s often an RTA route through their insurer. If work pressures or poor safety management contributed, employer negligence may be relevant. Sometimes both need to be explored.
What if I was injured as a passenger in a work vehicle?
The route usually depends on who caused the crash: a third-party driver, the vehicle you were in, or a work-related failure. Motor insurance often applies to passenger injuries in vehicle incidents.
Does it matter if I was commuting or travelling for work?
Travelling between sites, making deliveries, or going to appointments as part of your job is usually different from ordinary commuting to your usual workplace. Your specific circumstances matter, so it’s worth getting advice.
What if the other driver was uninsured or it was a hit-and-run?
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) can provide a route to compensation in certain cases involving uninsured drivers or drivers who can’t be traced after leaving the scene. A solicitor can explain what applies.
What if I was partly at fault?
You might still be able to bring a claim, but the outcome can depend on the details. In some situations, responsibility can be shared, and that can affect the claim. The safest next step is to get advice based on the facts.
What evidence do I need for a work-related road traffic accident claim?
Helpful evidence can include photos, witness details, dashcam/CCTV, police reference details, medical records, and proof of losses like time off work. For work-related issues, rota/job sheets and mileage logs can also help.
Will making a claim affect my job?
Many people worry about this. Most claims are handled through insurers, and each situation is different. If you’re concerned, it’s worth speaking to a solicitor.