Having a business automobile at hand is no doubt a blessing, but there are times when it can show to be rather a concern, specifically if you get into a business car accident due to your own negligence. Since the car is registered under the company's name and because there are multiple parties involved, it can be quite challenging to figure out the party responsible for the damages.
The Employer
The law that encompasses this predicament is the teaching of "respondeat remarkable." This doctrine specifies that the company will be held accountable for the actions of the staff member if they were acting within the scope of work. This indicates that the employer will only be held liable if the employee enters into a vehicle accident throughout the scope of work. For example, if you get into a mishap after workplace hours, this would be considered to be from the scope of work.On the other hand, if you get into an auto accident while driving to work, this will be considered to be within the scope of employment and the employer will be held liable even if you decide to fall asleep behind the wheel. The company will have every right to fire you for your negligent habits however will be lawfully required to pay the damages no matter how irresponsible you might be.
The Insurance Company
In order for any car to lawfully operate on the roadway, it has to be guaranteed by an insurance provider. If you are at fault while owning a company automobile, the insurance provider will pay the damages on behalf of the company. However, for the most parts there is a deductible or if the damages go beyond the coverage, the business will have to pay this expense. The company has every right to request that the staff member compensates for this quantity.Sometimes, if the driver is very negligent while running the car, the insurer might besiege the employer to pay the damages. In such situations, the company can ask for the employee to pay a certain portion of the damages however this depends upon the contractual relationship in between the two parties.
By now, it must be apparent that the law that governs this problem is quite complicated. In order to understand who is legally required to cover the damages, we would advise contacting a personal injury attorney or a trial attorney in Panama City FL that concentrates on corporate car accidents.
Only a personal injury attorney can evaluate the realities of the case and identify who is lawfully obliged to cover the damages under the law.
So if you have unfortunately found yourself in an accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at The Price Law Firm are here to help! Call (850)215-2195 today for a Free Case Evaluation.
