What To Do If You’re In A Car Accident In A Company Car

What Should You Do If You’re In An Accident In A Company Car?

No one ever intends to wreck company vehicles. However, if you drive a company car for any reason, it’s a good idea to make sure you know what to do in the event of a crash. If you’re in an accident in a company car, you should seek emergency medical attention as needed, and remember it is never okay to leave the scene of an accident. 

You should comply with laws to report the accident to law enforcement. It’s important to immediately report the accident to your employer and comply with any directives from your employer, such as drug testing. If you can, you should take photos at the accident scene and gather names and contact information for witnesses.

Who Is Legally Liable For An Accident In A Company Car?

Who is legally liable for an accident in a company car depends on the circumstances of the crash. The other driver may be legally liable, but your employer may be responsible in some situations. Even you may be legally liable for an accident in a company car. It all comes down to whether you were driving for business purposes at the time of the crash, who is at fault for the accident, and what the laws are in your state.

What Happens When You’re Not At Fault For An Accident That Involves A Company Car?

When an accident occurs in a company car, and you’re not at fault, the other driver, your employer, and even the vehicle manufacturer may have legal liability. It just depends on the circumstances of the accident. If the other driver causes the accident, it’s likely that they can be held responsible to you for your losses. Colorado is an at-fault state. That means if the other party is to blame for the accident, you can seek compensation from them regardless of how serious your injuries are.

The other driver is only one party that might be responsible for the accident. In some circumstances, your employer may also be legally liable to you. If your employer fails to maintain the vehicle properly, or if they are negligent in any other way that leads to the accident, it may be your employer who is legally liable for your injuries and damages. 

For example, suppose that your employer fails to replace the tires after all the tread has worn off, and you slide off the road during a rainstorm as a result. In that case, your employer might be responsible for your medical bills.

Finally, if the accident occurs because of a manufacturing or design defect, the vehicle manufacturer may be the legally liable party. You must investigate the cause of the accident and the facts at the time of the crash to determine who is responsible. Remember, there may even be multiple parties at fault for the collision. In addition, Colorado has mandatory insurance minimums for all drivers. You may look to the responsible party, their insurance, or both to get the compensation you deserve after a car accident.

What Happens When You’re At Fault For An Accident That Involves A Company Car?

When you’re at fault for an accident involving a company car, you or your employer may be legally liable for the damages. Where you’re going and what you’re doing at the time of the accident also makes a difference. 

Generally speaking, liability works this way:

• If you were on the clock and performing work duties when you caused the accident, your employer is liable.
• If you were off the clock or not performing work duties when you caused the accident, you are liable.
• If you were engaged in criminal activity (like drinking and driving) when you caused the accident, you are liable.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Each case is different, and a car accident attorney can help you to determine who is liable.

Company Cars, Detours, And Frolicking

You begin by looking at where you were going at the time of the crash. For your employer to be liable, you must be driving for work purposes and on the route for work. If you’re driving to an appointment, but you stop off to buy a coffee, your employer isn’t responsible for an accident that occurs while you’re getting the coffee.

However, if you’re putting gas in the company car, that’s considered a work purpose. For your employer to be responsible, you must be driving for work purposes. The legal term for doing non-work related things with a company car is “frolic and detour.” Usually, a “detour” is a minor departure from your work duties, and a “frolic” is a major departure.

Company Cars And Fault For The Accident

Next, you look at who is at fault for the accident. You may even use the location of car accident damage to determine fault. Your employer is only liable for a car accident involving your vehicle if you’re at fault. If the other driver is to blame for the crash, they can’t get compensation from your employer just because you were driving a company car. Instead, you have to be at fault for the other driver to look to your employer for compensation. If you’re at fault, your employer may have legal liability to the accident victim through vicarious liability. You will need to work with your attorney on questions of fault, even in straightforward cases like a rear-end collision.

Car Crashes In Colorado Involving The Company Car And Workers’ Compensation

Don’t forget that if you’re in a car accident involving a company car, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation system allows you to receive compensation when you’re hurt at work without you having to prove who is at fault for the accident.

However, if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not eligible to bring a legal claim against the other driver. Your attorney can help you evaluate all of the resources available for compensation after an accident involving a company car and make sure you meet Colorado’s statute of limitations.

Comparative Fault And Company Car Accidents In Colorado

Another important consideration for car accident cases that involve company cars is comparative fault. Comparative fault is the idea that even if you’re partially to blame for an accident, you may deserve some compensation if others are to blame, too. Colorado uses a system of modified comparative fault. That means as long as you’re not 50% or more to blame for the accident, you can still recover something for your accident injuries and other damages.

Attorneys For Accidents Involving Company Cars In Colorado

Have you been in an accident involving a company car in Colorado? Are you wondering what to do? Do you have questions about legal liability and how to get the compensation you deserve? The right legal representation makes a difference. You may be surprised to learn just what you can recover when you’re hurt in a company car accident.

At Bachus & Schanker, we fight every day for accident victims. We’re aggressive, compassionate attorneys who help you explore every option to get fair compensation when you’re hurt in an accident. It’s important not to make assumptions that you can’t win or that the value of your claim is low. Let our professionals evaluate your case and make a plan for you. Justice is our passion.

We are conveniently located at five Colorado locations near you in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Englewood. We also have an office in Cheyenne, WY. We are ready to serve you and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

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