In most instances, the driver who is at fault for a car accident is liable for any damages caused by the collision. However, determining liability often becomes more complicated when the car accident is caused by someone who is driving for work or operating a company vehicle. In these situations, the following questions may arise:
It’s important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who understands how Ontario laws apply to these cases. Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers will evaluate the circumstances around your accident to determine if you are entitled to compensation and the best way to pursue it.
Your employer can be held liable for a car accident you cause while you’re driving for work under the doctrine of vicarious liability, which states that an employer can be held liable for an employee’s actions if:
In other words, if you caused an accident while driving a company vehicle or while using your own vehicle to carry out a task related to your job, your employer can be held liable for the car accident.
In instances where your employer is found liable for the car accident, their company insurance policy will typically cover damages to any third party injured in the accident. This third party could be the driver or passenger in another vehicle, a passenger in the company vehicle, and pedestrians injured in the car accident.
Damages covered by the employer’s insurance may include:
There are certain exceptions to the rule of vicarious liability. You may be considered liable for an accident you caused if:
In addition, employers are generally not considered liable for car accidents caused while you are commuting to work, even if the commute is done in a company vehicle. This is due to the fact that commutes aren’t typically considered within the scope of employment. An exception to this may involve commutes made on a business trip.
If you’re found to be liable for the car accident, your employer’s insurance will most likely not cover damages to any third party injured victims. In these situations, your insurance company will be responsible for paying any damages.
If you’re injured in a car accident caused while driving for work, your employer will typically be required to pay for any costs associated with your injuries, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, as part of workers’ compensation. This may cover expenses such as medical bills and lost wages.
In order for your injuries to be covered under workers’ compensation, they must be work-related. Therefore, you must be performing a work-related task at the time of the car accident. If you were running a personal errand when the collision took place, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you’re injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver while operating a company vehicle or performing a work-related task, you may have two potential avenues to pursue compensation.
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits since the accident occurred while driving for work. In addition, you may be able to pursue compensation from the negligent driver as part of a car accident lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation will usually cover only a portion of lost wages and will not cover pain and suffering damages. By filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver, you can potentially receive compensation for the remainder of your lost wages as well as for pain and suffering, which will help you maximize the value of your damage award.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that occurred while you were driving for work, it’s crucial that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at once. These cases are more complex than typical car accident claims, and our car accident lawyers can make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Please contact Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers using the form on this page or call 905-522-9799 today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients in Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas of Ontario.
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Disclaimer: The information throughout this website is not intended to be taken as legal advice. The information provided by Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers is intended to provide general information regarding personal injury law, catastrophic injury cases, wrongful death claims, medical malpractice lawsuits, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more for residents of Hamilton, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Brantford, Niagara Falls, and nearby areas in Ontario. This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens. If you are interested in learning more about our law firm, please contact us for a personal consultation.
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