What to Do After an Accident in a Company Car

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There are hundreds of accidents every day in the State of Florida. Some of these accidents involve employees driving company vehicles. While the rules of the road apply to all drivers, there are some special considerations at play when an accident involves a work vehicle. Here’s what you need to know when an accident occurs in a company car from our Tampa car accident attorneys.

What Happens If You Have an Accident in a Company Car?

If you have an accident in a company car, both you and the employer may be responsible for the accident. When the driver who is responsible for causing the accident is in a company car, the victims may seek recovery from the employer. While the accident victims can’t double-dip and recover twice for their damage, both you and the employer may be responsible for paying the victim. You may receive a traffic ticket and license points just as you would in any other kind of accident.

Is an Employer Liable for an Employee’s Car Accident?

Yes, an employer is liable for an employee’s car accident. An employee acts on behalf of the corporation that they work for. When an employee does something, it’s as if it’s the company is doing it. If an employee creates liability by causing an accident, the employer is liable for the victims. The victims may seek compensation from the employer for the car accident.

Accident in Company Car Not Your Fault

When an accident in the company car is not your fault, you may bring a claim against the responsible driver for financial compensation. In addition, you may qualify to receive workers’ compensation through your employer. If an accident is not your fault, you may deserve financial recovery from the responsible driver. You may also look for compensation from your employer for a work-related injury.

Accident While Driving Personal Vehicle for Work

If you have an accident while driving a personal vehicle for work, you evaluate the claim based on the laws that apply in your state. For people who live in a no-fault state, both parties look at their own insurance first to pay their medical bills and property damage.

In at-fault states, the insurance company of the driver who causes the accident should pay the victims. When an accident occurs while you’re driving your personal vehicle for work, your employer may or may not be liable for the accident. The question is whether you’re acting in the course of your employment when the accident occurs and whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor.

Can My Employer Make Me Pay for Damages to a Company Vehicle?

It’s unlikely that an employer can make you pay for damages to a company vehicle. In general, employees are not liable to their employer for general negligence. Employers assume the risk that their employees might cause an accident. However, there may be some exceptions like if you’re drunk driving or if you’re using the company vehicle for personal purposes.

Work-Related Car Accidents Who Is Responsible

Who is responsible for a work-related car accident depends on several factors. An employer may be responsible for a car accident that involves a company vehicle. However, there are some exceptions. For example, say you’re driving to an appointment for work in the company car. If you deviate from the most direct path to stop off at the store for a personal errand, you’re no longer acting on behalf of your employer. If the accident occurs on the way to the store, your employer may be off the hook.

Another thing that can impact employer liability is your status as an employee or independent contractor. If you’re truly an employee, then your employer may be responsible for your accident. However, if you’re an independent contractor and driving your own personal vehicle, the company may not be liable for the accident.

In addition, illegal activity may exempt an employer from liability for an accident. For example, if the employee is driving drunk at the time of the crash, the employer doesn’t have legal responsibility for that. Reckless driving may or may not exempt an employer from legal liability. Minor traffic offenses do not excuse an employer from liability. The question is whether the driver is engaged in illegal acts at the time of the accident.

Lawsuit Against an Employer for an Employee’s Accident

If you’re the victim of an accident involving a company vehicle, you may bring your claim against the other driver or their employer. Respondeat superior is the legal term for the principle that an employer may be liable for the acts of their employee. The employer should have business insurance that covers the accidents of their workers.

When you bring a claim, it’s important to name both the responsible party and their employer. Both parties should have insurance that may be available to pay damages. It’s essential to explore all of the options to get the compensation that you deserve.

Laws for Florida Accidents Involving Company Vehicles

The same Florida traffic laws apply to all accidents whether or not they involve a company vehicle. When your claim involves a company vehicle, the question is whether the driver acted negligently. You may bring a claim if you’re hurt because the other driver’s actions showed a lack of reasonable care.

Florida uses a no-fault system for all car accident cases. Your injuries must Florida’s serious injury threshold to bring a third-party claim. Otherwise, you look to your own insurance to pay your damages. These rules apply even when the other driver is in a company vehicle. An experienced attorney can help you determine how to pursue your case.

Attorneys for Accidents in a Company Car

Were you in an accident that involves a company car? When you’re the victim of a crash, you may deserve compensation. Our attorneys can represent you whether you were in the company vehicle or you were hit by a driver who was on the job at the time of the accident.

With decades of legal experience and millions of dollars in verdicts for our clients, we can evaluate the special issues at play in your case. Ultimately, we don’t stop until you have the justice that you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation.

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