Accidents in company cars are relatively common, but they can cause a lot of stress, especially if you are at fault. If you’ve been in an accident that has left a company car damaged, you may be wondering whether you’ll have to pay for the vehicle or the other driver’s injuries, and whether you need to hire a lawyer.
Below you’ll find out what happens after a company car accident and when you may need legal assistance.
The Limits of Insurance Coverage
Hopefully if you’ve been in an accident with a company car, the car is insured. If it is, the insurance company will pay for any damages the vehicle sustained. If there are any injuries or damages that aren’t covered, the party that is found to be responsible will have to pay for them. Even if your company car is in the company’s name, you may have to pay them back if you are liable.
When is an Employer Liable for an Employee’s Car Accident?
Sometimes an employer can be held liable for an employee’s car accident. As the judge in your case works to determine fault, he or she typically relies on the laws under which employers are held responsible for their employees’ actions when they are performing duties that are part of their job. For example, if you are performing work-related tasks while driving the company car, the company is responsible. If you are driving a company car for personal reasons, such as errands or driving to and from work, and then get in an accident that is your fault, you would be considered liable.
If your accident happens while you’re acting within the scope of your employment, your company cannot force you to pay accident damages, however, they can fire you if the accident involved you acting recklessly or you broke company rules.
Additional Fault Factors
Sometimes car accidents in company cars are more complex. It’s possible that your company may have a car policy that either makes it liable, or prevents it from being liable in an accident. Depending on your location, local laws can also play a role, as will the insurance policy terms. Even if your company has collision insurance to cover employees, it is sometimes limited or restricted.
Final Determination of Liability
Even if you are driving a company car, you should follow the same steps that you would after a personal accident to make sure you have the evidence you need in case you get a Car Accident Lawyer. This includes getting the other driver’s license number, insurance information, and a police report. Gather any witness statements and contact information, and get medical treatment if you need it. The court will require this information to determine a final declaration of fault.
Getting a Company Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in an accident with a company car, having an accident lawyer may be useful, especially if your case is complicated. Consulting with a lawyer will usually cost you nothing, so meeting with a lawyer to determine your legal rights is a good idea.
If you’ve been in an accident with your company’s car, find out more about your legal rights by downloading our personal injury recovery kit or contact our experienced team for a consultation.
