The rise of delivery services and online shopping has made business-owned vehicles a relatively common sight on California roads. Although a company car wreck typically goes through the same process as a general personal injury claim, it can present unique challenges concerning who is liable for losses stemming from the collision. When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, injured parties who suffer losses can seek to recover compensation from the driver. If the driver was in a company car, the company may be liable for the driver’s actions and, therefore, responsible for the losses they caused.
When the driver of a company vehicle suffers injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, they can seek to recover their losses from the at-fault party.
If you need to know who is liable for a company car accident in California, contact a member of our team at the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., to discuss your case. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have experience navigating car accident claims and look forward to helping with your case.
Who Pays for Damages in a Company Car Accident Caused by an Employee?
In California, certain relationships create circumstances where one party is vicariously liable for the acts of another person. Under California law, for example, an employer is liable for the harm caused by their employee while in the scope of their employment. This is a legal concept known as “respondeat superior.”
In a claim involving a company car, you can generally file your claim against both the driver of the company car and the driver’s employer. This increases the likelihood that you will recover the full extent of your losses.
Consider a scenario where a pest control provider hires an individual to work for their company. The new employee receives a company-owned vehicle to make their daily stops. Eventually, the pest control employee causes an accident in their company vehicle that results in your injuries. You may be able to sue both the driver whose negligence caused your accident and the pest control company.
Alternatively, consider an employee using a company car to run a personal errand when they get into an accident. Since the employee was not performing their job duties at the time of the accident, the employer is unlikely to be liable for damages caused by the accident.
Our team can review the details of your case and help you determine who is liable for a company car accident that caused your injuries.
What If I Get into an Accident While Driving a Company Car?
If another driver crashes into you while you are driving a company vehicle, you should react the same way you would in any other car accident. You need to contact authorities and report your car accident. Then, you should seek medical attention to document and treat any injuries you sustained in the crash. Afterward, you should contact your employer to let them know what happened. Even in a company car accident, the negligent party is liable for the injured party’s losses, including repair costs of the vehicle.
Did You Suffer Injuries in a Company Car Accident? Contact Our Attorney Today
Our car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., have in-depth knowledge of California car accident laws. We are confident in our ability to help determine who is liable for your company car accident and secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Our team is dedicated to helping clients who suffer injuries in car accidents recover the compensation they deserve for their losses. We can help ensure the at-fault party is held accountable for the harm they caused. Contact our office today so we can start reviewing your case.
Attorney Ali Yousefi is the founder of Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., and has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in California. Ali values that his work allows him to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events.
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