Who Pays for the Damages After the Accident?
Determining fault will determine whose insurance company will be responsible for paying for any damages.
If the other motorist is found to be at fault, their insurance company would be responsible for paying for damages related to the accident. If you caused the crash, then your employer’s insurance coverage will typically pay for damages.
However, there are certain limits to your employer’s liability. Many employers’ insurance policies will cover damages caused by a company car crash only if the employee who caused the crash was on the job at the time of the collision.
If you were carrying out work-related duties, then you would likely be covered by your employer’s insurance policy. But if you were off the clock or were commuting to or from work, then you might be held responsible for damages stemming from the accident. Even if you were driving the company car during work hours but weren’t performing any work-specific task, your employer could try to evade liability.
If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence while driving a company car, you could be entitled to recover compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Compensation should cover your losses, including:
- Present and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries, medical procedures, treatments, tests, prescription medications, and other medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages for the time you miss work while recovering from your injuries
- Lost earning capacity, if your injuries render you unable to return to work and perform your job duties, thereby stripping you of your income
- Vehicle damage caused by the accident
- Pain and suffering, including emotional anguish and mental trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Securing the compensation you need to recover after an accident can be challenging and stressful, which is why it is crucial to work with an experienced company car accident attorney. At Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have the skill and dedication required to thoroughly investigate the accident, quickly gather and preserve the necessary evidence, build a strong case for compensation, and aggressively pursue the payout you are entitled to.
What to Do After an Accident in a Company Vehicle
If you’ve been involved in a collision while driving a company vehicle, consider following these steps after the accident:
- Seek medical attention. The most important first step is to seek medical care, even if you feel fine. You could have sustained injuries that have not yet become apparent. Call 911 or have someone else call if you are unable. Seek a full medical evaluation when emergency personnel arrives on the scene.
- Document the scene. If you can, take photos and videos of damage to vehicles, your injuries, debris on the scene, the license plate of the other vehicle, and anything else that seems relevant. Having a visual record of the scene can strengthen your claim later on.
- Talk to witnesses. Get the contact information of any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident. Witness testimony can be valuable in your case and provide an objective perspective about how the collision occurred.
- Gather medical documents. Collect all documents related to your medical expenses, including hospital bills, physical therapy bills, and prescription receipts.
- Keep a pain journal. Consider keeping a written record of your symptoms and recovery after the accident. This “pain journal” may also help solidify your claim by demonstrating the extent of your injuries.
- Complete a company vehicle accident report. In addition to obtaining a copy of the police report that law enforcement will make at the scene, complete a report about the accident and provide it to your employer. Your employer will need this written documentation to advance a workers’ compensation claim.
- Consult with an attorney. Accidents involving company cars can be complex, whether you were at fault or another motorist was. An experienced company car accident attorney will have the skill to determine fault, figure out who pays, and build a strong case for compensation.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Company Vehicle Accident Attorney Now
If you have been injured in an accident involving a company vehicle, contact Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers right away. One of our dedicated company car accident attorneys will evaluate your case, identify the at-fault parties, and help you seek the compensation you need. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Liability is a complex legal concept, but at its simplest, it describes the person or party who caused an injury and is therefore responsible for its consequences. In most car accidents, the driver whose action or inaction most directly led to the collision is liable for the damages that result from the collision. 
