Your workday can become stressful when a car accident interrupts your routine. What happens if you have an accident in a company car? You may be hurt, face a reprimand at work, and worry about paying bills.
Most people know how to handle a car accident involving their own vehicle. Accident victims usually take straightforward steps, like calling the police and making an insurance claim. However, many workers aren’t sure what to do when they crash a company vehicle.
This guide explains what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident in a company vehicle. For advice tailored to your circumstances, contact our experienced car accident attorneys at the Francis Firm for a free consultation.
Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
If you are involved in a car crash in a company vehicle, follow these steps at the scene:
- Call the police and paramedics;
- Answer police questions (consulting your attorney if needed);
- Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver;
- Notify your employer about the accident;
- Take photos of the damage to both cars and the accident scene; and
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
If you are injured and unable to complete these tasks, ask a trusted friend for help. The more evidence you gather at the scene, the better you can protect yourself and tell your side of events.
Common Causes of Company Car Crashes
Accidents in company vehicles can happen for many reasons. Driver error is a leading cause, but other factors such as poor weather, vehicle maintenance issues, or another driver’s negligence may contribute.
Who Is at Fault for Your Accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share fault for a car accident. You may still recover compensation from other at-fault parties if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
For example, imagine that you were texting while driving when another driver, who was drunk, ran a stop sign obscured by tree limbs. You could be partially responsible for the accident, but the drunk driver would likely be more at fault.
If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover from the other parties based on their percentage of fault. For instance, if your damages total $100,000 and the drunk driver is found to be 75% at fault, you could recover $75,000 from the drunk driver.
Were You on the Job?
Whether you were on the job at the time of the accident is a key factor in determining liability. If the accident happened while you were performing job duties, such as driving to a meeting, your employer could be held responsible for your injuries. This legal principle, known as respondeat superior, means that your employer could be vicariously liable for your actions on the job.
If you were off-duty or using the company vehicle for personal errands, your employer is less likely to be held liable for the accident.
Who Pays the Medical Bills?
Depending on the details of your accident, different parties may be responsible for paying your medical bills:
- If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your medical expenses;
- If you were at fault and on the job, workers' compensation should cover your medical bills; and
- If the other driver was at fault but uninsured, your company may have uninsured motorist coverage, or you could file under your own policy.
Can You Get Fired?
Texas is an at-will employment state, which means employers have broad authority to terminate employees. However, your employer generally cannot fire you for pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or filing an insurance claim. That said, if you were breaking the law or company policy at the time of the accident, your employer may have grounds for termination.
If you are worried about losing your job after a company car accident, consult an attorney to review your case and advise you on your rights.
Why You Need a Lawyer
After a company car accident, navigating the complex legal and insurance issues can be overwhelming. An attorney can help you understand how negligence, workers’ compensation, insurance law, and employment law apply to your case. With the help of a lawyer, you can pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys at the Francis Firm will gather evidence, work with investigators, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure the best outcome for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Contact Our Accident Attorneys for a Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a company car accident, contact our experienced attorneys at the Francis Firm for a free consultation. Founding partner Michael Francis is Board Certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and we will advocate for the compensation you need.
We work on contingency, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us today to get started on your claim.