What If I Was In An Accident In A Company Car?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but if the vehicle involved is a company car, it can add a layer of confusion and concern. If you were injured in a crash while driving a company vehicle in the state of Florida, talk to an Orlando personal injury attorney. Doing so is key to understanding your rights and responsibilities and is essential to protecting your potential access to financial relief. Always speak to an experienced Orlando accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.

Who Is Liable After a Company Car Accident?

Liability largely depends on whether you were acting within the scope of your employment when the accident happened. If you were performing work duties, such as making deliveries, visiting a client, or driving between job sites, your employer may be responsible for damages under the respondeat superior principle, which holds employers liable for employees’ actions while working.

That said, it’s important to note that if you were running a personal errand or deviated from your work duties significantly (often referred to as a frolic), your employer may try to distance themselves from the incident. This distance could be done in order to shift liability back onto you.

Injuries sustained when performing job-related tasks could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as well. This can cover your medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and certain rehabilitation services. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, so you can usually access these benefits even if the accident was partially your fault.

You may also be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim if another driver was at fault. This could provide compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered under workers’ comp. In many cases, both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit can be pursued at the same time. Managing multiple claims can be complex, it’s important to work with an attorney.

What About Company Insurance?

Company vehicles are usually covered by commercial auto insurance policies too, which could have higher policy limits than personal auto insurance. This can be beneficial if your injuries are serious and medical expenses are significant. Yet corporate insurers may try to minimize payouts or deny claims, especially if fault is disputed or if your employer tries to claim you weren’t acting within your job duties.

Moving through the aftermath of a company car accident requires careful coordination between workers’ compensation rules, personal injury law, and commercial insurance policies. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a company vehicle, you need someone who understands how all of these factors work together.

An experienced Orlando personal injury attorney can help you determine liability, explore all avenues for compensation, and ensure that your rights are fully protected. Speak to a legal professional today to learn your options and take the first step toward recovery.

Were you hurt while traveling in a company car? Connect with the skilled attorneys at Israoui Law, professionals who can help you avoid double recovery issues and will navigate the legal landscape on your behalf. For the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529.