In Queensland, workers injured in the course of their employment are generally covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This usually includes compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and travel costs.

But what happens if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident while travelling to or from work? That is where a journey claim may apply.

What Is a Journey Claim?

A journey claim is a type of workers’ compensation claim available through your employer’s insurer (usually WorkCover Queensland). It applies if you are injured in a car accident while travelling directly between your home and your workplace. Unlike a CTP claim, you don’t need to prove that another party was at-fault in causing the accident, in order to make a journey claim.

If your employer is self-insured for workers’ compensation, which is not common, their insurance unit will assist you in the same way.

A journey claim recognises that travel to and from work can be an essential part of employment and provides financial support during rehabilitation after an accident.

When Can You Lodge a Journey Claim?

You may be entitled to a journey claim if your injury occurs while:

• Travelling directly between your home and your workplace
• Going to or from work-related training sessions
• Attending medical or rehabilitation appointments connected to an existing workers’ compensation claim claim
• Travelling between two jobs with different employers
• Travelling locally, interstate, or overseas for work-related purposes

Benefits of a Journey Claim

A successful claim can provide essential support during your recovery, including:

Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

• Coverage for necessary medical treatment, allied health services, and recovery aids such as crutches, wheelchairs, or physiotherapy.

Weekly Income Payments

• If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to weekly compensation payments to replace part of your lost wages.

Return-to-Work Programs

• The insurer works with you, your employer, and healthcare providers to design a tailored recovery plan, and return-to-work plan.

Travel Reimbursements

• Reimbursement for travel costs to and from medical or rehabilitation appointments.

Lump Sum Compensation

• If you are left with a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a one-off lump sum payment.

Mental Health Support

• The insurer can provide access to counselling and psychological support to assist with the emotional impact of your injury.

When a Journey Claim May Not Apply

Not every accident during travel to or from work will qualify. A claim may be denied if you:

• Took a significant detour for personal reasons
• Stopped on your journey for non-work-related errands
• Were not travelling on a reasonably direct route

Lump Sum Damages

Additionally, if another driver caused the motor accident, you may also have an entitlement to make a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claim. This claim could see you recover damages for potential future losses and other forms of compensation.

In some cases, you may be eligible to pursue both a workers’ compensation journey claim and a CTP claim simultaneously.

Why Legal Advice Is Important

Journey claims have strict time limits, and eligibility can be complex. Delaying action could mean missing out on your rightful entitlements. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect your rights and ensures you know exactly where you stand.

At Evolve Legal, we offer a free initial consultation to:

• Review your circumstances and advise on your eligibility
• Explain all possible entitlements, including workers’ compensation and CTP claims
• Guide you step-by-step through the claims process

If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident on your way to or from work, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact our team today to secure the support and compensation you may be entitled to.