Have you been injured while you were driving your employer’s vehicle? Employees who are injured in a car accident while driving company cars are often confused about what their rights are when it comes to seeking compensation for their injuries.
If you were driving a company car when you were involved in an accident, you are often able to seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Here are some things to consider:
- Compensation from an at-fault third party driver
If a third party was at fault for the accident, you can seek compensation from the third party driver. You sue the at-fault driver to recover your medical expenses, economic damages e.g. loss of wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- No-fault compensation
This is only applicable in no-fault states. It means that both parties that are involved in the motor accident are entitled to compensation from the insurance companies that cover them. It doesn’t matter who is at fault for the accident.
In these cases, compensation is given for mileage and medical expenses incurred for treatment of injuries. Expenses reimbursed may also include the cost of nursing attendants, services for chores that can no longer be carried out as well as childcare. Compensation is also given for lost wages.
In this case, you file a claim with your own insurance company. It should be noted, however, that if your injuries were severe and your expenses high enough, you may still be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit even in a no-fault state.
- Workers’ compensation
Employers are required to have workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover injuries or accidents that their employees may suffer while at work. If you were injured in an accident while driving a company car for a business purpose, you may be entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits even if you were at fault for the accident.
Although it may seem straightforward, it can be complicated getting compensation from your employer for injuries suffered while driving a company car. Companies agree that employees should be compensated for injuries suffered while carrying out tasks on behalf of the company. However, if it is shown that you were running personal errands while driving a company car, you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for any injuries suffered in the motor vehicle accident.
Your legal right
If you were driving your employer’s car when you were injured in an accident, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will help you determine the best approach to filing your claim. This will help improve your chances of getting compensation for your injuries.
