Employers often require their employees to engage in some degree of driving to perform work-related duties. While operating a vehicle “on the clock,” you may be involved in a car accident. If this is the case, you likely won’t know how to proceed and have difficulty determining liability. Please continue reading to learn who may be liable for a work-related car accident and how a talented Morris County Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help you fight for the financial compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Are employees liable for injuries in a work-related car accident?
If you were involved in a car accident while using a company-issued vehicle, your employer would be liable for the cash required to provide insurance coverage due to vicarious liability. This legal doctrine assigns liability for an injury to a person who did not cause the injury but who has a specific relationship with the person who acted negligently. This doctrine attaches the employee’s liability to their employer in this particular circumstance. However, your employer may not be liable for the accident if you were using the company vehicle to complete personal tasks or engaging in criminal behavior.
What should I do if I’m injured in an on-the-job car accident in New Jersey?
If you were involved in a car accident while driving for work, regardless of whether it’s a company-issued vehicle or your vehicle used to perform work-related tasks, you may fear what this means for your job. However, before you panic about what your boss will say, it’s crucial to take the proper steps to safeguard your legal rights. Firstly, you’ll want to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. If you and the other party involved in the collision are not seriously injured, you should exchange your personal contact and insurance information. Collecting as much evidence as possible is in your best interest if you’re physically capable. This includes capturing pictures of the accident scene and contact information from witnesses who may be able to corroborate your claim later on.
After your injuries have been addressed and the police have permitted you to leave the accident scene, you should report the accident to your employer. This step must be completed to initiate the workers’ compensation process. Failing to report your injuries promptly after an accident could result in your claim being denied by your employer or insurer. Therefore, you must report the accident to your employer. To ensure you follow all the legal guidelines correctly, you should enlist the help of a qualified attorney.
If your claim is denied, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Morris County workers’ compensation attorney from the legal team at Lutz Injury Law, who can help protect your rights.