Getting In A Massachusetts Car Accident In A Company Car

You may have many questions in your head after getting in a Massachusetts car accident in a company car. Such as who is accountable for the accident? Is an employer responsible for an employee’s car accident or is there someone else at fault? What will be the conditions for the compensation?

Millions of workers as a part of their job drive or ride in a vehicle. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 29,000 workers died in a work-related motor vehicle crash from 2003 to 2018 in the U.S.

Considering the complexity of work-related crashes involving company cars, here is a blog that will provide every necessary detail you need regarding accidents in a company’s car. If you have any other queries you can always contact our experienced lawyers.

Employer’s Responsibility:

The collision caused by an employee while conducting company business driving a company car on office time may hold an employer accountable by the principle of vicarious responsibility. Moreover, accidents during company timings in a personal car can hold an employer responsible. If the employee were at fault, they can be held responsible and could probably be sued by the victim.

There may be a possibility for the driver of the company car to still receive workers’ compensation if they were injured in the car accident. However, there is an exception to this that they will not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation for their injuries if they were on their way to or from work.

When Are You Personally Liable?

You will be held personally liable if you diverge from the duties of your employment. For example, if you decide to go for a short side trip, or stop at a friend’s house nearby or any other place apart from company-related business, you will be held accountable for the accident you may cause.

You will be on the hook if you are instructed by your employer to pick up a few things from the store and you caused an accident on the way. The court will look at your case to see whether or not you were doing what you were instructed to do.

If I Was in a Company Vehicle, Can I Still Sue the At-Fault Driver?

A state in which when a driver is engaged in a Massachusetts car accident, and their insurance company covers the subsequent damages and injuries is known as a no-fault state. While in an at-fault state, offsetting the compensation for the injured party is the liability of the at-fault driver or their insurance company.

However, Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state ensuring that the victims of the accident get the compensation for their medical bills and related expenses they deserve on time; Also to save insured motorists from uninsured motorists. Nonetheless, the ability to sue the responsible driver is limited by the insurance laws of a no-fault state.

Usually, if the Massachusetts car accident resulted in necessary and reasonable medical expenses that surpass $2,000 only, then the victim can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. There are some other conditions which include:

• Death
• A loss of sight or hearing
• The loss of a body member
• A fracture
• Partial or complete permanent and serious disfigurement

You can also contact a lawyer to get a brief explanation about whether you can file a lawsuit against another driver or not.

Who Should I Sue After Getting Injured in a Company Vehicle?

It is possible that you may have valid claims upon various individual parties but depending on the situation, you are only eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation to recover from the lost money and medical bills only if you were involved in an accident in a company car while on the job. Usually, incidents that happen while managing company business and during office time, are covered by workers’ compensation.

The way to hold the at-fault driver responsible for their negligence is a personal injury lawsuit. You can file a personal injury lawsuit if the driver was careless to cause the accident while at the same time reclaiming the money for medical expenses, pain, and suffering not covered by workers’ compensation.

Contact Us to Deal with Your Massachusetts Car Accident:

Contact us now, the Law Office of Robert C. Shea, P.C, if you were involved in a Massachusetts car accident. We have been helping victims strive for the fair and just compensation they deserve. Our attorneys have comprehensive knowledge in dealing with such cases. They will not only protect your rights but also assist you in making a well-informed decision about the future.