Traffic accidents are stressful enough, but if someone else’s negligence leaves you injured while you are driving a company car, it can make things that much more complicated. The fact is, however, that car accidents happen, and being behind the wheel of a company car does not alter this. If you have been injured by another motorist’s negligence while in a company car, understanding the basics can help.
The Company Vehicle
Any kind of vehicle can qualify as a company vehicle – whether it is a truck, sedan, van, SUV, or anything else. If your employer owns it and has you drive it in the course of your work, you are driving a company vehicle. As such, the vehicle is covered by your employer's commercial insurance policy. This means the claims process is likely to be more complicated, and you are well-advised to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Workers Compensation
If you are injured on the job, which is the case if you were driving a company car for work at the time of your injury, your company will cover your losses through its workers’ compensation insurance – regardless of who is responsible for causing the accident in question. The losses covered, include:
Your medical expenses, such as emergency care at the scene of the accident and emergency transportation from the scene of the accident; surgery and follow-up care; treatment from doctors, specialists, and therapists; prescription medications; and more
Your lost wages
While your workers’ compensation will cover these losses, it will not address the issue of the pain and suffering you endured.
Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured while you are in a company car, you are entitled to bring a claim for the damages you suffered with that driver’s insurance company. While this will likely include the losses covered in your workers’ compensation claim (and you may have to reimburse workers’ compensation for the settlement amount it provided you upfront when you obtain this insurance settlement), it can also include damages for pain and suffering.
Car accidents are harrowing and often involve a tremendous amount of personal pain and suffering. This can include the fear, the immense physical pain, and the emotional repercussions – such as increased anxiety and depression – that you have and are enduring. All told, the pain and suffering associated with a violent car accident can be considerable.
It Is Time to Consult with an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents are stressful, and car accident claims are complicated. A car accident claim involving a company car, however, is more complicated still. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured while you are driving a company car, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is on your side. Mr. Pritchard is a formidable personal injury attorney with extensive experience helping clients like you fully recover on their damages, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.