Car Accident Injuries While On The Job In Maryland
Last updated on January 12, 2026
In many occupations, one of the greatest risks workers face comes from motor vehicles. Professional drivers could be involved in accidents during their shifts, for instance, or construction workers could be struck by vehicles on the job site. Even those who do not drive professionally may have to make some deliveries or pickups, or they may just need to drive between job sites.
When car accidents on the job happen, they can lead to severe injuries, and that’s where we come in. At Darby Law Group, LLC, we have more than 30 years of experience. Founding attorney Matthew Darby has a proven track record and extensive experience representing Maryland’s public safety employees, such as EMTs and firefighters, as well as workers across other industries. From our office in Hunt Valley, we serve clients throughout the greater Baltimore area. If you think you have a case, call our law firm at 410-220-1108 for a free consultation.
The Risks That Public Safety Employees Face
Public safety employees have some of the highest motor vehicle accident injury rates. These employees include police officers, firefighters and EMTs. Their work is unique in that it often involves extensive travel and frequent time spent in a vehicle. All it takes is one mistake by another driver for a first responder to find themselves in the hospital. Our firm has handled many of these cases and can provide clear guidance through the complex and unique legal process.
Does Your Commute Count?
One important thing to note is that a daily commute does not qualify under current workers’ comp laws. This is due to the Going and Coming Rule in the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act. Essentially, workers are only covered if they get injured while they are signed in and performing the duties of their job. The commute to work – or back home – may be necessary, but it happens outside of their official capacity as an employee. There are limited exceptions, such as if employees are given a special mission or work-related instructions during their commute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work-Related Car Accidents In Maryland
Here are some of the most common questions Maryland workers ask after being injured in a work-related motor vehicle accident:
What if I were driving my personal vehicle for work purposes when the accident occurred?
This does not automatically prevent workers’ compensation coverage. In Maryland, the key issue is whether you were acting within the scope of your employment at the time of the crash. If you were traveling between job sites, making deliveries, transporting work equipment or following a direct instruction from your employer, the accident may qualify as work-related even though the vehicle was not owned by the employer.
What matters most is whether the trip primarily benefited your employer rather than being part of your normal commute. Supporting details such as work schedules, emails, text messages, mileage records or supervisor instructions can help establish this connection. Because insurers often dispute these claims, clear documentation of why you were driving is important.
How long do I have to report a work-related car accident to my employer in Maryland?
Maryland law requires injured employees to notify their employer as soon as practicable after a work-related accident. While written notice is generally expected within ten days, a claim may still proceed if the employer had actual knowledge of the injury or incident.
Beyond employer notice, a formal claim typically must be filed with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission within 60 days. Missing reporting deadlines can create complications or reduce available benefits.
Am I required to use my employer’s doctor, or can I choose my own medical provider after a work vehicle accident?
Maryland workers are generally allowed to choose their own medical provider after a work-related car accident. You are not required to treat exclusively with a doctor selected by your employer or its insurance carrier. Choosing a provider familiar with your injuries can support thorough treatment and accurate medical records.
Employers or insurers may request an independent medical examination, and disagreements sometimes arise about treatment plans. Consistent care and complete documentation are important, as gaps in treatment can affect your benefit eligibility.
Explore Your Options Through A Free Consultation
In many car accident injury cases, workers may have the ability to file both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party personal injury claim against the other driver. Darby Law Group is uniquely situated to help workers in these situations, as we handle both workers’ compensation and personal injury matters.
Call 410-220-1108 or contact us online to explore your legal options at a free consultation.