Car Accidents Involving Company Vehicles: Who is Liable?

Accidents hit you when you least expect them to, even if you are someone who follows all road rules. When it happens, you may be hit with a range of losses. One way of recovering these losses is through a car accident claim.

But these car accident claims are seldom simple. One challenge stands out among the numerous complexities involved in a car accident: determining liability.

Today, we will talk about liability in car accidents involving company vehicles. It is important to note that the experienced car accident lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help navigate these complex cases. Comprising of a network of over 500 individuals, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have the resources and skill to deal with just about any challenge a case may throw at them. Their expertise in the law and knack for winning difficult cases have made them a renowned name in legal circles.

Factors Determining Liability

Liability in accidents involving company vehicles can be complicated. It often depends on several key factors:

• Scope of Employment: At the time of the collision, was the driver engaged in work-related tasks? If the employee was "on the clock" and carrying out work-related duties, the employer may bear some or all of the responsibility.

• Employer's Liability: Under the legal doctrine of "vicarious liability," employers are responsible for their employees' conduct while they are on the job. This includes accidents caused by negligent driving while conducting business tasks.

• Personal Errands: If the employee was using the company vehicle for personal errands or was not acting on behalf of the employer, the liability may fall solely on the driver. Employers may argue that the accident occurred outside of job duties, shifting the burden to the individual.

When the Employer is Liable

Several legal principles hold employers accountable for accidents caused by their workers:

• Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior): This legal principle imposes liability on employers when their employees are negligent as long as they are within the scope of their employment.

• Negligent Hiring or Retention: If a company employs someone with a bad driving record and that person causes an accident, the company could be held accountable for negligent hiring or retention. Background checks and proper training are critical to preventing such situations.

• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: If the company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, it could be held liable for accidents resulting from mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or worn tires.

When the Employee is Liable

There are also instances where the employee could be held personally liable for the accident. These typically occur when the driver is operating the vehicle outside the scope of their job duties, such as:

• Personal Use: If an employee drives the business car for personal purposes, such as running errands after work, they might be held fully responsible for any incidents that result.

Intentional Misconduct: Liability may transfer to the employee in full if the employee was impaired by drugs or alcohol, driving carelessly, or involved in unlawful activity at the time of the incident.

Shared Liability

Some cases may involve shared liability between the employer and the employee. For instance, if the employee was driving under the influence while on the job, both the employer (for allowing the employee to drive) and the employee (for their reckless behavior) could share responsibility.

This can complicate legal proceedings, as determining the degree of responsibility for each party often requires thorough investigation.

Wrap Up!

After a car accident, determining liability for a company vehicle can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key is to have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side to help you navigate the complexities of these cases.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a company vehicle, don't hesitate to seek the assistance of car accident lawyers. They will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Remember, accidents happen, but you don't have to face the aftermath alone. Get in touch with a reliable car accident attorney today and get the support you need during this difficult time.