Wondering if You Can File a Work Accidents Claim After Crashing the Company Car? Click Here to Find Out!
Maybe you’re driving to lunch and hop in the company car to drive down the street. You’re pulling into the parking lot and don’t see the car backing out until it is too late to stop.
Or you’re on your way to meet a client downtown when suddenly traffic comes to a stop. You don’t have time to stop and collide with the back of the car in front of you.
You walk away with whiplash, a sore back, or any number of other injuries. Can you file a work accidents claim, since you were behind the wheel of a company car? Or does your fault in the accident negate your company’s responsibility? Keep reading to learn more.
Can You File a Work Accidents Claim for an Accident in the Company Car?
Whether or not your car accident can be claimed as work accident depends on the situation.
Who is at fault in the accident actually matters less than when the accident occurred and what you were doing in the company car. For the most part, your situation will fall under one of two categories.
Using the Company Car for Work
One situation when you might find yourself behind the wheel of a company car is when you’re using the car for a direct work-related reason. This is the most common use of a company car.
This includes driving the car to pick up or meet clients, run to the store to pick up supplies for the office, or even driving to a lunch meeting. For the most part, if you are being paid while you are driving the car, you’re on the clock and will likely be considered working.
That means that if an accident occurs, it will occur while you’re on the clock. Therefore, it becomes a work accident.
Using the Company Car for Personal Reasons
Sometimes employees can use company cars when off the clock. This includes driving the car to and from work or going to lunch on your own.
If an accident occurs when you are using a company car, but not working, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to claim a work accident has occurred.
What If You Are at Fault?
If you are at fault for an accident, things get a bit trickier. Even if you were using the car while on the clock, you may be held partially responsible.
Depending on your state and employer policies, you may still be able to file a work accident. However, third parties, including drivers and passengers of other cars or passengers in the company car, may be able to hold you liable if they sue or seek compensation.
Luckily, most employer’s liability insurance will cover the employees against these claims, even if they were at fault. Whether you think your employer will cover these claims or not, it’s always a good idea to get help from an accident doctor if you are involved in an accident in a company car.
Dealing with the Effects of a Workplace Injury
Every year, over 5 million people suffer work-related injuries or illnesses in the U.S.
Whether you were at fault or not, dealing with a workplace injury and work accident claim can be tough. While filing a work accident claim can help you get compensation and care, it isn’t a quick-fix. Only time, proper care, and rest will help you recover from your injuries and get back to work.
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