Automobile accidents can be traumatic experiences. However, if you have been in an automobile accident with a company car, things can be even more stressful and complicated. You probably have questions about who is liable, which claims can be made, and what to do next. Many people wonder who has to pay for damages after a car crash with a company vehicle.
If you are the injured victim of an automobile accident caused by circumstances out of your control, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your pain and suffering. Call our personal injury law firm for a consultation now! Matlin Injury Law serves Parker, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. To help you better understand how legal liability works in Colorado, read on!
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What to do if you have been in an automobile accident with someone driving a company car?
Perhaps you were driving your personal vehicle when someone in a company vehicle hit you. Or, maybe you were the driver of a company vehicle and were injured in a car crash while doing your job. Either way, there are a few things you should know.
First, be aware that your company or the other driver could be held liable for damages, but each case is different, and the surrounding circumstances must be accounted for. Remember to never leave the scene of an accident and seek medical assistance as needed. Even if you feel like your injuries are minor, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional.
Documenting your injuries and the scene of the crash will be important later if you wind up filing claims. You might be shaken up after an accident, so making fast judgment calls might be harder than under normal circumstances. Stay calm and comply with Colorado’s laws. Follow any directives such as drug and alcohol testing as well.
If you are a victim, do not accept fault in an accident unless you have spoken with an attorney first. The circumstances of the accident will be taken into account when determining fault. As such, you have to be careful what you say immediately following an accident. Claims adjusters for professional insurance companies are motivated to protect the interests of the parties they represent. If you are a victim, it is wise to call a personal injury lawyer to protect your interests as well.
Who can be held legally liable for company car accidents?
The party held legally liable for a company car accident will depend on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Just because you are driving a company car does not mean that you will automatically be held legally liable. Alternatively, if you are hit by a company driver, you could still be held legally liable if the accident is determined to be your fault.
Additionally, your employer might be responsible for certain parts of an automobile accident. It will all depend on whether you were driving for business purposes when the crash occurred, who caused the accident, and how Colorado’s laws apply to your unique situation. Consulting with an experienced Colorado injury attorney may help you sort out who is legally responsible for what.
What to do if you aren’t the at-fault driver in a company car accident?
If the accident was not caused directly by your actions, you should not be held liable for damages. The at-fault party will be the determining factor. You should know that fault will be determined based on the legal reports and the evidence found at the scene of the crash. Sometimes, more than one party could be found at fault. This is why it is important to proceed with caution as you speak with police officers and file claims. An attorney can advise you on how to navigate these conversations.
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Who will have to pay for damages after a company car wreck?
Colorado is what is known as an at-fault state. Usually, the party at fault for an accident and their insurance provider will be legally required to pay for damages. No matter how serious your injuries are, if you are a victim, you can seek compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
Your employer may also be held legally liable for damages. For instance, if your employer failed to maintain the vehicle in ways that caused an accident, this will be taken into consideration. Manufacturing and design defects must also be considered. The cause of the accident will be investigated at the time of the crash to help determine all pertinent factors and assign fault.
Sometimes, multiple parties are found to be at fault in a collision. With that in mind, if you are found to be partially at fault, it could impact your ability to seek compensation for damages in some ways. Colorado also has mandatory insurance requirements for all drivers, so an insurance company might have to pay for some of the damages as well.
What if you are at fault in a company vehicle car crash?
If you are in a company vehicle and get into a crash, and the crash is determined to be your fault, the party responsible for paying damages could be you or your employer. It will all depend on the specificities of the accident and all factors surrounding the crash. You and your employer could both be liable. If one of the parties is trying to imply that an accident is your fault when it wasn’t, you should call a lawyer. It is best to consult a personal injury attorney so you can get personalized answers that pertain to your unique situation.
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What factors will be considered when determining fault for a company car crash?
What factors will be considered when determining fault for a company car crash?First, where the accident occurred and what you were doing at the time of the crash must be considered. For an employer to be held liable, the driver must be on the road for working reasons. If you were doing something that diverted you from your scheduled work route, your employer may not be held liable. It will depend on your job title, responsibilities, and other circumstances.
For instance, if you stopped to get gas on your route, that may not be considered a diversion from your duties. However, if you stopped to attend an unrelated appointment, get coffee, or visit a friend, it may be seen as a diversion. This will also depend on your job title and driving responsibilities. The legal term for doing something unrelated to work while driving a company car is frolicking. If you were driving for work purposes, your employer could be held liable for damages. On the other hand, if you weren’t doing work-related tasks, your employer might not be held liable. These requirements vary depending on each situation.
What else to know about determining legal liability for a car wreck in Colorado?
Liability can be assigned in different percentages. How much liability is placed on you will be determined by comparing faults. To do this, the carelessness of each driver will be examined. This is why it is important to call an attorney to represent you as soon as possible. It can also be helpful to document your injuries and take pictures of your own at the scene of an accident.
What compensation could be available for company car accident victims?
Damages are paid based on Colorado’s damages and limitation laws. You may be compensated for:
- Property damage
- Permanent physical impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of income
- Medical bills
- Diminished earning capacity
- Wrongful death
About Claims in Parker, Colorado
Claims come in all shapes and sizes. After an accident, claims can be made for accidents like:
- Accidents that occur on the job
- Commercial vehicle collisions
- Passenger injury accidents
- DUI or drunk driving accidents
- High-speed crashes
- Uninsured accidents
- Low-speed crashes
Call Us for a Company Car Collision Consultation Now!
Were you injured while working by someone else’s negligence? Are you unsure whether your company car collision is eligible for a lawsuit? Are you curious whether or not you can file claims for your damages? If so, call us now. At Matlin Injury Law, we may be able to provide you with a free consultation over the phone or in person. Our compassionate attorneys are here to listen to your side of the story! Don’t be intimidated by losing your job or by company insurance providers. We are here for you now.
Contact the company car accident lawyers at Matlin Injury Law today at (720) 464-3600!
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