In the Tampa Bay area, there is a lot of commuter traffic to surrounding areas. From St. Pete to Clearwater and beyond, commercial vehicles are commonplace on our roadways. With this being the case, the odds that a commercial vehicle is involved in a car accident are high.
Whether you are driving your employer’s vehicle or if you find yourself involved in a car accident with a company vehicle at some point, we want to discuss some of the details you should be aware of as you brave the roads.
If You’re Driving Your Employer’s Vehicle
Due to Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine, if you are driving your employer’s vehicle, your employer will be responsible for any physical or monetary damage caused. This is true whether you’re deemed at fault or not. Under the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine, the owner of any vehicle being lent to another driver is liable for any associated damages through vicarious liability. However, it must be noted that this Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine only applies under the scope of the driver’s employment. By this, we mean that if you, or the driver in a company vehicle, find yourself in a car accident on a personal errand, your employer is not liable.
What If You’re Driving Your Own Vehicle For Work?
In most cases that you drive your own vehicle for work tasks, your car will not be covered by your employer’s insurance. If you have the opportunity, it might be a good idea to consult with your employer and your insurance company about the risks you take using your personal vehicle for work tasks.
Read More: How long do car accident settlements take?
If You Get In An Accident With A Company Vehicle
The same rules apply from above. Since Florida is a no-fault state, your own insurance company should pay for your own damages, that is unless there was serious damage caused or permanent medical injury. So, in this case, you wouldn’t be able to seek compensation from the company or the driver unless permanent damage was caused.
However, if you did endure permanent damage and injury from a car accident with a company vehicle, you may be able to seek compensation from both the employer as well as the driver.
What Should You Do After An Accident With a Company Vehicle?
As we always recommend, regardless of the type of accident, always alert the authorities. Call the police and file a police report. Seek medical attention as soon as you can. And get as much documentation as you can including photos, medical bills, and records. These tips will always be beneficial should you be targeted or should you wish to pursue additional legal action yourself. Speak with an attorney, as they are the expert in these situations.
If you’d like to work with one of our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys on your personal injury or car accident case, give us a call today. Let us help you understand where you stand and how to get the compensation you deserve.
