What Happens if I Get in an Accident in a Company Vehicle?

Getting in a California car accident involving a company vehicle may be a worst-case scenario while on the job. Even if a negligent driver caused the accident, it still may be difficult to navigate on your own. Several elements come into play when dealing with liability, such as if you were on the job when the accident occurred or if you were conducting business. 

Since navigating the complexities of these types of claims may be complicated, speak to an experienced California car accident lawyer who is knowledgeable about the specific laws that may affect your claim. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp, we have over 25 years of experience recovering millions in settlements and verdicts for victims affected by driver negligence. 

Determining Liability in a California Company Car Vehicle Accident 

When an employee experiences a California car accident while on the job and sustains severe injuries, it is generally the responsibility of the employer to cover losses associated with the accident. This is referred to as vicarious liability. To determine whether the vehicle accident falls under this scope of liability, it is especially important to prove whether the employee was performing job-specific duties at the time of the accident. 

The following elements are required to prove vicarious liability: 

  • You were conducting company-approved business at the time of the accident 
  • You were performing the job or task you were hired to do at the time of the accident 
  • The employer benefitted from the actions of the employee at the time of the accident 

If an employee can prove that at the time of the company vehicle accident, they were performing job responsibilities, then the employer is liable for any damages associated with the accident. If the employer is found liable, they should be covered through their insurance policy for any third-party damages. For a comprehensive assessment of your claim, speak to an experienced California car accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. 

When Is Your Employer Not Liable for a Company Vehicle Accident? 

In instances where you were not at fault for the company vehicle accident, or you were not conducting job-related duties at the time of the accident, your employer may not be held liable. If the vehicle accident was caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to recover workers’ compensation if you were performing job-related responsibilities at the time of the accident. 

However, workers’ compensation may not cover all of the damages you have sustained. Speak to a skilled California car accident lawyer for a chance to recover the maximum compensation you are owed. If you were substantially injured on the job due to another driver’s negligence, you should not have to pay for the financial, physical, and emotional consequences of the accident. 

Damages You May Recover in a California Company Car Vehicle Accident 

If you were severely injured while driving your company car due to driver negligence, California Civil Code (CIV) §1431.2 entitles you to recover certain damages associated with your California vehicle accident: 

Speak to an experienced California car accident lawyer for an assessment of your claim. Working with a skilled lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp will bolster your chances of recovering the maximum compensation you are owed. 

Speak With an Experienced California Car Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp

If you have been injured in a California car accident while driving a company car, speak With an experienced car accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp today for a complimentary assessment of your claim. Attorney Eric J. Ratinoff offers outstanding legal representation and will expertly handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on a full recovery. 

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp, we have over 25 years of experience advocating on the behalf of victims and recovering compensation for losses associated with driver negligence. Our legal team offers compassionate, diligent, award-winning representation, fighting for the justice you deserve. Call a skilled car accident lawyer today at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation of your California car accident claim.