What happens when you get in an accident in a company vehicle?

Whether you were at fault or not, no one wants to have to tell their boss or manager that they’ve been in a car accident in a company vehicle. If you’ve been injured, you may have much bigger problems. The good news is that if you have been injured in a car accident in the company car, you may be entitled to compensation for your hospital bills, lost wages that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation, and your pain and suffering.

A personal injury lawyer will talk to you about your accident and help you determine whether or not you have a case. In most incidents, your initial consultation will be free.

Insurance that Covers Employees in Company Vehicle Accidents

Most states require additional coverage for employee vehicles. For instance, California requires a liability insurance policy that protects other parties. The minimum requirements for all cars are:

• $15,000 for injury or death to another party
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

In most cases, an employer will carry insurance with much higher limits. They will also carry policies for accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists and collision insurance. This is a defensive measure meant to prevent accident victims from going after the company for damages. Your employer’s insurance should cover you if you’re involved in an accident.

Workers’ Compensation and Car Accidents

All states have their own workers’ compensation laws with separate requirements for employers. If you have the kind of job that provides you with a company vehicle, it’s a safe bet that your company has workers’ compensation insurance. If you were driving your car for a work-related function, like making deliveries or attending a meeting during work hours, it’s likely that the workers’ compensation policy will cover you. On the other hand, if you are authorized to drive the vehicle for personal business, you will probably have to rely on the other coverages for your claim.

What to do if You’re Involved in an Accident in the Company Vehicle

If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are some things you can do to help ensure you are able to make a claim. For this list, our writers consulted LA car accident attorney Kirakosian in California. This should not be construed as legal advice. Contact a car accident attorney in your area if you have questions about a car accident in a company vehicle.

• Get to a place of safety. Do not step out into traffic. Either exit your vehicle only when it’s safe or move your car.
• Call 911 and get police and fire rescue to your location.
• Call your employer to report the accident. They may want to send the company attorney to your location.
• Take pictures or videos of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, and injuries.
• Seek medical attention if required.

If you have been injured in a company vehicle car accident, you may require your own legal representation. Call a personal injury attorney in your area for legal advice. In most cases, there are no out-of-pocket costs for legal advice for car accident claims.