 One of the most awkward moments for any worker is getting into a vehicle accident while driving a company car. Since every employee wants to be viewed as highly responsible, this type of event requires sincere humility while explaining the circumstances of the accident. One of the most awkward moments for any worker is getting into a vehicle accident while driving a company car. Since every employee wants to be viewed as highly responsible, this type of event requires sincere humility while explaining the circumstances of the accident.
If the employee was clearly at fault and using the company car for personal reasons at the time the collision occurred – liability issues can quickly multiply – especially if a third party was injured. Before noting some of the key factors that must be evaluated when this type of event occurs, here’s a quick review of some insurance policy definitions. Insurance policies that may be involved when an employee has a vehicle accident
The legal doctrine of respondeat superior and employer liability When an employee is driving a company car at the time of an accident (while actively handling assigned business tasks) – that s/he did not personally cause – the employer will normally be responsible for paying for all the damages. However, since various jurisdictions apply aspects of the respondeat superior doctrine differently, it’s important to check with your Houston business lawyer to find out exactly how this doctrine is applied in Texas. Stated in general terms, respondeat superior usually indicates that the principal (employer) is normally responsible for most activities handled by the employee (agent). One or more of the employer’s insurance policies (in addition to worker’s compensation), will normally cover medical expenses and the costs incurred due to property damage. However, insurance companies often quarrel over whether the employee was clearly handling business tasks at the time of the accident — and if s/he had current authorization to use the company vehicle. Liability can shift when an employee was totally or partially responsible for the accident The circumstances surrounding each accident will normally determine the exact percentage of damages that an employee must pay under his/her own policy. Whether any type of indemnity is offered to the employee usually depends on whether the third party involved caused the accident. In most cases, an employee who caused a collision will be held fully responsible for all damages under his/her own personal auto accident policy. However, when a third party caused the accident, there are still specific circumstances that will allow an employer to deny all liability. Several of these exceptions are set forth below.
compromise regarding liability can be reached – unless the employee’s behavior was clearly unacceptable. If you have any questions about how your business or insurance provider should handle a specific type of accident involving a company car, please feel free to call one of our Murray Lobb attorneys. We can provide you with our legal opinion and possibly suggest legal paperwork you might want to have every employee sign before ever issuing any of them a company car for their use. CATEGORIES COMPANY CAR/ACCIDENT, DETERMINING FAULT, HOW TO, INSURANCE TAGS#CARACCIDENT, #COMMERCIALAUTO, #COMPANYCAR, #EMPLOYEE, #FAULT, #HOUSTONLAWYERS, #INSURANCE, #KNOWLEDGEINPOWER, #LIABILITY, #MURRAYLOBBATTORNEYS, #RESPONSIBLE, #TEXASLAW CONTACT US
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