What To Do After An Accident In A Company Car

Driving a company car comes with a number of benefits. You don't have to pay for maintenance. You don’t have to worry about the price of gas. And you don't have any concerns about wear and tear on your own personal vehicle.

However, if you're injured in an accident in a company car, it can result in a variety of challenges.

Here's what you need to do:

1) Move to safety and call for help: Your safety always comes first. Regardless of whether you're driving a company car or personal vehicle, always move your vehicle to the side of the road. If the accident is severe, call 911 for help and receive treatment at a local hospital.

2) Report the accident to your employer: Doing so right away allows you to make it clear to your employer that you were injured in the accident. It also allows them to take the necessary steps in filing an insurance claim.

3) Collect evidence and documentation related to the accident: For example, anything that proves another driver was at fault, such as a police report, will work in your favor. You should also hold onto receipts for all expenses associated with the accident, such as medical bills.

Company Car Accident + Workers’ Compensation

A car accident may not be the first thing that comes to mind as a reason to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you were injured in a car accident while driving, or riding, in a vehicle for a work-related reason, you may be able to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer.

This can include car accidents that occur while an employee is performing a job-related task, such as:

• Making a delivery

• Traveling for a work-related reason that you are compensated for

• Driving another employee for business purposes

• Running a work-related errand

• Driving from one worksite to another

However, you cannot receive workers’ compensation for car accidents that occur outside paid work hours, such as during your commute between work and home or during lunch. In addition, you will not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if the accident occurred while you were deviating from your regular work duties.

What if I Was at Fault for the Car Accident?

Unlike a standard personal injury claim or a car accident claim, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, which means you do not need to prove another party is liable for causing your injury in order to receive benefits.

Even if an employee was responsible for causing an auto accident, the employee may still be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they were injured in the accident.

If you were injured in an auto accident while performing a work-related task or duty, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and partial lost wages. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you recover the benefits you deserve.

---

Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.