Having access to a business vehicle is both a perk and a potential liability for employees. In the event of an accident involving a corporate vehicle, determining fault can be difficult and time-consuming. Talk to an experienced Catastrophic injury lawyer in Las Vegas attorney for guidance and counsel if you were injured in an accident involving a work car.
Who Pays When an Incident Involves a Company Car?
Accidents involving many vehicles can make determining fault more difficult than when all involved drivers were using their own cars. Both the company and the driver may have responsibility depending on the circumstances. Who is found at fault in an accident depends on both the reasons you were using a work car and the specifics of the incident. If you have been hurt in an accident in Las Vegas, working with a lawyer specializing in personal injury law is in your best interest.
Define “Vicarious Liability.”
When one party is held liable for the actions of another, this is known as vicarious responsibility. In this case, the owner of the vehicle is the employer, and they must answer for the employee’s reckless driving. Vicarious liability applies only when the employee performs duties directly related to their job.
Analogy of Negligence Following a Crash Involving a Company Vehicle
In order for the victim to file a claim for compensation from your employer, it must be found that you, the employee, were principally responsible for the accident. According to Nevada’s comparative negligence law, financial responsibility for an accident’s consequences must be assigned to the person who caused it at least 51 percent of the time. You can sue for damages if the percentage of culpability you bear in an accident is less than 51%; however, any award you receive will be reduced by your degree of fault.
What If I Was Driving the Company Car and I Was Not Responsible for the Accident?
If you are injured in an accident involving a corporate vehicle, and you were not at fault, a legal firm in Las Vegas specializing in auto accidents can assist you in filing a claim for financial compensation. As with any other auto accident, this one will be dealt with in the usual fashion. The party at fault will cover your harms, losses, and damages. In a separate insurance claim, your company will seek payment for the damage to the car.