What Happens If An Employee Gets Into A Traffic Accident While On The Job?

A good employer will always compensate his or her employee for the miles covered. But, what expectations does your employer want from you?

Your employer will expect to know your liability in the event you are involved in a traffic accident.  

Many times employers have the ease of mind immediately their employees are out for errands. Why? Because immediately you are out for business, your employer will eventually start thinking about other things knowing that you’re responsible for carrying out things without supervisions. So, in case you’ve been involved in an accident with your car then the liability lies on you as an employee.

Surprisingly, in some cases it might be the opposite: the employer is accountable for the accident caused by his or her employee.

Some of the instances when the liability might fall on the employer include:

• If your employee carelessly acts while working off premises.

• If your employee is hurt off working assumptions.

However, handling such issues might become hectic – if insurance is involved. Some of the things that happen if you find yourself involved in a traffic accident as an employee are outlined below.

Vicarious Liability

Don’t let a car accident ruin your life because vicarious liability puts liability on your employer as long as you are serving him. Your employer becomes responsible for whichever mistake you make whether on the working premise or off the working premises. 

At this point, your employer is accountable for the damages you have caused. Failure for your employer to take responsibility gives the victims right to sue him or her. And, suing the employer provides the victims with the opportunity to get the most out of a lawsuit. This type of liability can be an excellent opportunity for the victims to get their compensation in monetary value.

In a nutshell, this type of liability ensures compensations for damages off premise. So, if the employee is unable to cover for his or her losses, then the company is held liable.

Employer’s Car Insurance

Talking of insurance, suppose the employee’s car insurance should be held liable. What if the employee’s car insurance doesn’t have enough coverage?

Then the employer or the company is held responsible for taking care of the damages caused. This happens mostly when the damage caused is more, and the employee can’t afford to settle the costs by him or herself.

However, your employer can overcome this by adding appropriate coverage to their businesses policies to avoid incurring losses.

This additional coverage enables the employee to add onto his insurance cover in case the damages go beyond. So, don’t be dumbfounded that you’ll be using the company’s additional coverage to settle your damages. It only acts as a supplement.

Worker’s Compensation

You are eligible to worker’s compensation in cases of injuries while running business errands. But, if at the time of the accident you were insured, then your insurance covers for your injuries fully. Your worker’s compensation can only be used when your coverage is depleted.

When is the Employer not Held Responsible

• During a commute

Getting into an accident after running business errands is not your employer’s liability. On the other hand, if you are commuting to and from home, your employer is not liable for you.

• Damage to the employee’s vehicle

Your vehicle is your liability and not your employer’s. So, if your car gets damaged, it’s your responsibility unless your employer agrees willingly to stretch his or her hands in his pockets to help you out with your expenses.

Final Thoughts

Note that if you’re involved in an accident off working premises while running business errands, you are your employer’s liability. Don’t be tied down with your little insurance because your company’s insurance got you.

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