If you’ve been hurt in an accident while driving a company car, you may have many questions. Who’s liable for the accident? Is an employer liable for an employee’s car accident? If someone else is to blame, how do you get the compensation you deserve?
At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we understand the complicated dynamic of work-related crashes involving company vehicles — which is why we’ve provided this helpful explainer. Read on to learn more. If you have further questions about your accident, contact us today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at no cost to you.
When Is an Employer Held Responsible for a Car Accident in Massachusetts?
Under the doctrine of vicarious responsibility, an employer may be liable for a collision caused by an employee driving a company car on company time while conducting company business. Furthermore, an employer could be held responsible for an accident in a personal car on company time. The employee could also be liable for the accident if they were negligent, and an injured party could potentially sue both of them.
If the driver of the company vehicle was injured in the accident, they might still be eligible for workers’ compensation. An exception to this is provided by the coming and going rule, which exempts workers on their way to or from work from receiving workers’ compensation for their injuries.
Can I Still Sue the At-Fault Driver If I Was in a Company Car?
Massachusetts is a no-fault insurance state, which means that when an individual is involved in a car accident, their own insurance company covers the resulting damages. In an at-fault state, the at-fault driver or their insurer would be responsible for compensating the victim.
No-fault insurance laws are meant to expedite the claims process, ensure that accident victims get the compensation they need for their medical bills and related expenses in a timely manner, and protect insured motorists from uninsured motorists. However, they also limit an accident victim’s ability to sue the at-fault driver.
Generally, a lawsuit can only be filed against the at-fault driver if the accident led to “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses that exceed $2,000 or result in:
- Death
- The loss of a body member
- Partial or complete permanent and serious disfigurement
- The loss of sight or hearing
- A fracture
To find out if you can file a lawsuit against another driver, contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Who Do I Have a Claim Against If I Was Injured in a Car Accident in a Company Vehicle?
Depending on the situation, you may have a valid claim against several different parties. First, if you are involved in an accident in a company vehicle while on the job, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim to help you with lost wages and medical expenses. Workers’ compensation usually covers accidents that happen on company time while conducting company business.
If a negligent driver caused the accident, you might also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A personal injury lawsuit is a way to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions, while also recovering money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering not covered by workers’ compensation.
You can also turn to your own PIP benefits for immediate coverage.
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. They can explain your options in detail so you can make a well-informed decision about your future.
Contact Our Brockton Car Accident Lawyers Today
For 30 years, the team at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan has been helping victims of work-related car accidents seek the fair compensation and peace of mind that they deserve. We have extensive experience helping injured employees file workers’ compensation claims or seek compensation through a third-party injury claim after being injured in a car accident in a company vehicle. We will be ready to discuss the specifics of your case during a free consultation when you contact us by phone or online.