Liability for Accidents Involving a Company Car

If you’ve been involved in a car accident while driving a company vehicle, you may feel overwhelmed about what happens next. Accidents involving company cars can be complicated, involving multiple parties, including your employer, insurance companies, and potentially third-party drivers. At Parker & Bain, LLC, our car accident attorneys are here to help you through these complexities and protect your rights.

How Liability Works in a Gaffney Company Car Accident

Determining liability is not always straightforward when you’re driving a company vehicle and get into an accident. In many cases, your employer’s insurance would cover the damages if you acted within the scope of your employment during the accident. This means you were driving the car for work purposes—making deliveries, traveling between job sites, or attending a business meeting.

However, if you were off the clock or using the company car for personal reasons when the accident occurred, the employer’s insurance may not apply. In these cases, you could be personally liable for damages, and your auto insurance might come into play.

Gaffney drivers should also know that South Carolina law follows the at-fault system for car accidents. As such, whoever caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages, which can lead to complicated claims if another driver is involved.

Steps to Take After a Gaffney Company Car Accident

If you’re in an accident while driving a company vehicle in Gaffney, take the following steps to protect yourself and your rights. First, ensure everyone is safe and call 911 for injuries or significant damage. Then, you should exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details, and document the scene with photos.

Notify your employer as soon as possible about the accident. Your company’s insurance provider will likely require a statement, and you may need to complete an incident report. However, it’s always in your best interest to consult with a Gaffney car accident lawyer before giving detailed statements, especially if you’re concerned about potential liability.

Compensation After a Company Car Accident

If you were injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In cases where you were not at fault, your employer’s or the other driver’s insurance should cover your damages. However, insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and disputes about whether you were “on the job” at the time of the accident are common.

Suppose you’re an employee and were acting within the scope of your employment. In that case, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. These benefits may apply even if the accident was your fault. However, workers’ compensation benefits may be unavailable if you’re classified as an independent contractor.

Benefits of Working with a Car Accident Lawyer

Company car accident claims in Gaffney can be complex. You’re potentially dealing with multiple insurance companies, employment law issues, and personal liability concerns. A professional accident attorney can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine fault and identify all available sources of compensation
• Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf
• Protect your rights under South Carolina’s personal injury and employment laws

Without legal representation, you risk losing compensation or being unfairly blamed for the accident.

Don’t Navigate a Company Car Accident Alone

Whether you are running a work errand or heading to a meeting in a company car, an accident can have serious consequences. At Parker & Bain, we understand the challenges of dealing with complicated claims involving employers and insurance providers. We’re committed to providing the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a company car accident in Gaffney or the surrounding areas, don’t wait. Call 864-252-2650 or contact us online today to speak with a Gaffney car accident lawyer who will stand by your side every step of the way.