Is Your Employer Liable for Your Work-Related Auto Accident?

Employees do not always work within a facility. Some travel from client to client, facility to facility, or even from one country to another for their employer. What happens, though, when an employee is on a business trip or traveling for the employer and is then injured in an auto accident? Can the employer be held liable? The following explores employer liability in work-related auto accidents and offers information on where to find assistance with your work injury claim.

If you experienced an accident while completing tasks for your employer, they could be held liable for any injuries you experienced during the crash. This is generally true, regardless of whether you were driving a company car or your own car when the accident occurred. Keep in mind, however, that there may be certain limitations that apply.

For example, work-related auto accidents are generally covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. As such, the payout for lost wages and/or injuries may cap out at a maximum amount. This could place you and your family at risk for financial troubles, especially if short-term or long-term disability occurs. Further, there may be other exclusions that could result in a non-covered accident while on a trip for your employer. Understanding these potential loopholes may be crucial to your financial future.

Not every accident that occurs in a company car or while on a business trip may be covered. For example, if you are running a personal errand while in a company car, your employer may not be considered liable for the accident. Yet, even in a strictly business-related situation, you may find yourself uncovered after an accident. As an example, intoxicated driving is often considered a limitation or exclusion, even if you were on the clock or traveling for your employer. Reduce the risk of an uncovered accident. Have your case is examined by an experienced work injury lawyer.

Workers’ compensation may not be your only option after a work-related accident. Some accident victims may be able to pursue compensation through a negligent third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or the drunken driver of the vehicle that hit you. Again, it is critical that you have your case examined for all possible options. This can help ensure you and your loved ones obtain the most compensation for your losses, injuries, and expenses.

If you were injured on the job, either in a vehicle or while on facility, contact Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP for assistance. Our dedicated San Jose work injury lawyers will provide a free consultation and can help you understand your options. Call (408) 289-1417 to learn more.

• Responsibility for employees injured while traveling for work can be murky