What Happens If I Am In A Car Accident With a Company Car?

Having a company car is an excellent perk. It has great benefits, but it can also have some drawbacks. Especially if you are in a car accident in a company car. While driving a company car you may consider the consequences if you were to be in an accident. A California car accident involving a company car can be more complex than other car accidents. Knowing liability in different circumstances can help. Keep reading to learn more about company car accidents and liability.

Determining Liability in a Company Car Accident

In California, the liability of a car accident with a company car depends on what duties you were performing while driving the vehicle. If you were on the job while you were in a car accident it is typically the responsibility of your employer to cover losses associated with the accident. These can be both physical damages to the car or property as well as personal injuries. This is referred to as Vicarious Liability. In order to prove vicarious liability, it is important that you can prove 3 things

• Your employer benefitted from the tasks at hand at the time of the employees accident.
• You were performing a job or task you were hired to do at the time of the accident.
• You were conducting company-approved business at the time of the company car accident.

If you, the employee, can prove that you were driving the company vehicle for job related duties, your employer may be liable for any damages associated with your accident. This can be quite complex, and consulting with an experienced California Car Accident attorney, like the ones at B|B Law Group, would be beneficial.

When Would an Employer Not Be Liable for a Company Car Accident

In an incident where the employee is driving a company car for personal use, the employer would not be liable. If you are not conducting job-related activities at the time of a car accident, you would not be able to put liability on the employer. In other instances you may be in a company car accident, but it is at the fault of another negligent driver. In this case, your employer may not be held liable. But, if you were substantially injured on the job due to another driver’s negligence, you should not be held responsible. You should seek compensation for your injuries. It is a good idea to talk to a highly-rated car accident attorney to get you the settlement you deserve.

Payment of Damages in a Company Car Accident

In California, the at-fault party in a car accident is liable for the damages. If the responsible party has insurance coverage, the insurer pays for the costs:

• If you caused the accident, your employer is probably liable for your actions. Your employer’s commercial auto insurance would pay for the damages.
• If you caused the accident while not using the company car for work reasons, you could be liable. You might end up having to pay the company back for any costs. (However, this is rare.)
• If another party caused the accident, they are liable for your damages. Your employer would typically file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.

Sometimes proving that you are using the vehicle for employment reasons can be hard. If your employer tries to say you were not using the vehicle for employment reasons, you may want to contact a lawyer. Your employer could be looking for ways to avoid liability.

If you were using a company car for work, it’s essential to know your rights. But your employer should typically handle the damages. Additionally, If you’re worried about being blamed, contact a California Car Accident Attorney.

What Kind of Damages Can I Be Compensated for After A Company Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident it is important to seek compensation for damages. But, If you are in a personal car, or a company car, and the other driver was negligent and caused you harm it is important to talk to a California Car accident attorney. You are entitled to recover certain damages after a California Car accident. Listed below are some of the most common damages your lawyer should seek compensation for.

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Property Damage
• Emotional Distress

Regardless of who you think should be held liable. Consult with a car accident attorney to see how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Consult with an Experienced Company Car Accident Attorney

If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries due to a company car accident you have the legal right to hire a California Car Accident Attorney. B|B Law Group has an experienced group of Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys that can help ensure your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve. 

At B|B Law Group, our goal is simple: preserve and protect the legal rights of the people of Southern California. Our award winning team of attorneys are experienced in the fields of personal injury, employment and habitability law, and it is our mission to provide our clients with the best legal representation.

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If your case isn’t successful, you have our guarantee that you won’t have to pay for anything. No hidden fees, costs or conditions — that’s our promise.