Many workers assume that WorkCover only applies within the traditional workplace. But Victorian law recognises that work doesn’t always happen at a single location. If you’re injured while travelling as part of your job, even offsite or interstate, you may still be entitled to compensation under WorkCover, and in some cases, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Carbone Lawyers have supported many Victorians with WorkCover and TAC claims, including complex cases involving travel. Whether your injury happened in a vehicle, a hotel, or on the street between worksites, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
Learn when WorkCover applies to travel-related injuries, how the TAC may also be involved, what evidence you need, and how legal support can make all the difference.
Travel Can Still Be Work and When You’re Covered
WorkCover isn’t restricted to accidents in the office or on-site. If you’re travelling as part of your employment duties, and you’re injured during that travel, you may still be covered by WorkCover.
Scenarios where WorkCover may apply include:
- Driving to or from a scheduled client meeting
- Travelling between worksites or job locations
- Staying in accommodation paid for by your employer
- Attending a work conference, training day or offsite event
- Running employer-approved errands during a shift
The key question is whether the travel was directly connected to your employment. This is where documentation and legal advice can make a significant difference. For more detail on how this process works, learn about WorkCover and Workers’ Compensation.
When the TAC Gets Involved with Work-Related Accidents
If your injury occurred in a road-related accident during work travel, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may also be involved. This applies whether you were a driver, passenger or pedestrian.
In some cases, both schemes apply. For example, a courier injured in a car crash between deliveries may be eligible for support through both WorkCover and TAC. Each scheme covers different benefits, TAC focuses on medical expenses and rehabilitation, while WorkCover may also provide weekly payments and support for return to work.
Understanding how these schemes interact is important. We manage dual claims to ensure clients don’t lose out due to overlap or administrative errors. Learn about more about TAC Claims.
What You’ll Need to Prove Your Claim
If you’ve been injured while travelling for work, it’s important to prove that your travel was authorised and work-related. The more detailed your documentation, the quicker the claims process will be.
Essential evidence includes:
- Medical reports and certificates of capacity
- Work rosters, calendar appointments, or emails showing the work-related purpose of the travel
- Invoices, hotel bookings, or petrol receipts
- Photographs of the location or injury (if available)
- Police or incident reports, particularly for TAC claims
- Witness details or statements
Common Concerns That Might Be Holding You Back
You might be second-guessing whether to make a claim. Here are the most common concerns we hear, and the facts that might change your mind.
“It wasn’t that serious.” Injuries that seem minor can worsen over time, such as a back strain, knee pain, or headaches. Early reporting protects your rights and provides you with access to treatment and compensation.
“I might have been partly at fault.” WorkCover is a no-fault scheme. Even if you made a mistake or contributed to the accident, you can still be eligible for compensation.
“I don’t want to cause problems at work.” Claims are made against the employer’s insurance, not the employer personally. It is also unlawful under Victorian law for an employer to treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim.
“My claim was rejected.” Claims can be initially rejected due to lack of evidence or incorrect assumptions about eligibility. We help clients overturn denied claims with proper legal support.
Examples of Work Travel Injuries That Qualify
These are just a few examples that we can advise on. If you don’t see your experience reflected here, it’s still worth speaking to a lawyer.
- A sales representative rear-ended while driving to a client meeting, eligible for both WorkCover and TAC.
- A nurse attending training in regional Victoria slipped in her hotel bathroom, WorkCover covered her medical costs and paid weekly payments during the recovery time.
- A technician was struck crossing a road between job sites, WorkCover applied as the travel was required by his employer.
Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters
Travel-related workplace injuries can often be disputed, misclassified, or poorly documented. That’s why the right legal support is important.
Carbone Lawyers have helped clients recover compensation from both WorkCover and TAC, even in complex cases involving multi-day travel, offsite injuries, or rejected claims. We take care of the paperwork, the negotiations, and the appeals process, so you can focus on recovery.
Why choose us?
- Decades of experience with WorkCover and transport accident claims
- Deep knowledge of Victorian workplace law
- Successful outcomes in complex and previously denied cases
- A genuine No Win, No Fee commitment
If You’ve Been Injured While Travelling for Work, Don’t Wait
You don’t need to be sitting at a desk or on a worksite to be covered by WorkCover. If you were hurt while travelling for your job, you may be legally entitled to compensation, sometimes through multiple schemes. The sooner you get advice, the more options you’ll have.Carbone Lawyers is here to help you understand your rights and secure the support you need to move forward. If you need legal advice or are unsatisfied with your current lawyers, start your claim online or call 1800 369 888 today.
