A car crash can change your life in an instant; you may suffer serious injuries or be unable to work because of a new temporary or permanent disability. When the accident isn’t your fault, you’re entitled to seek compensation to cover the costs of your injuries, but who should you seek that compensation from when you’re using a company vehicle? Is it your boss who should pay for the collision, even though another driver caused the accident? Should you pursue a claim against the driver directly? Here are some things to think about after your crash.
What happens when you get into a car crash in a company vehicle?
The crash should be reviewed normally, and you will need to be treated for your injuries. If you were working at the time of the accident, you should be covered by workers’ compensation or your employer’s insurance company. If the other driver was at fault, then the driver may have to pay for the damages and expenses, but the claim could be made through the employer or through your own civil lawsuit, depending on the situation.
What happens if the crash takes place in the company vehicle but not during business hours or business activities?
When you’re driving the vehicle but aren’t participating in work activities, the crash should be treated like any crash using a personal vehicle. If the other driver was negligent and struck you, then you should be able to seek compensation through your insurance carrier or through a civil lawsuit with the help of your attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Accidents in Company Vehicles,” accessed Nov. 10, 2016
