August 21, 2025
When Injuries Occur During Commuting: Are They Covered?
Commuting is part of daily life for many Missouri workers, but accidents that happen on the way to or from work raise an important legal question: are these injuries covered by workers’ compensation? While workers’ compensation provides benefits for employees injured on the job, injuries that occur during commuting are generally treated differently under Missouri law.
The "Coming and Going" Rule
Missouri follows the “coming and going” rule, which means that injuries sustained while traveling to or from work are usually not covered by workers’ compensation. The reasoning is that employees are not yet considered to be in the course of employment while commuting.
Exceptions to the Rule
If your injury prevents you from working at all during your recovery, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability benefits. TTD provides a partial wage replacement—generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage—until your doctor clears you to resume work or determines you have reached maximum medical improvement.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Because commuting injury cases can be complex, many employees are unsure whether they qualify for benefits. Insurance companies may deny claims quickly, leaving workers responsible for medical bills and lost wages. Having a lawyer review your situation can make the difference in determining whether your injury falls under an exception to the rule.
At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we help Missouri workers understand their rights when injuries occur. If you were injured during your commute, don’t assume you are not entitled to benefits—your case may qualify under one of the exceptions.