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Work Vehicle Accidents 101

January 16th, 2020
Work Vehicle Accident Scene

Work vehicles are offered to employees for business purposes, such as driving to a job site or to client meetings. They also help with creating a mobile workforce, offering flexibility, allowing companies to build brand awareness by having vehicles decaled with their logo and contact information, and helping with recruitment. Having a work vehicle sounds great, right? But what happens if you are involved in an accident while operating a work vehicle?

The process to filing a personal injury claim and understanding auto insurance policies through your employer can be complex. Was the company car part of your employment agreement? Were you working at the time of the accident? These and many other questions come into play, which is why it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who understands the law. With law firms in York Pa, Hanover Pa and Gettysburg Pa, Dale E. Anstine is ready to help the communities they serve by sharing information on work vehicle accidents to shed light on this complex area of the law.

Who is Liable After a Work Vehicle Accident?

After a work vehicle accident, you may be unsure of issues related to liability. Will the company pay for all the damage? Who is responsible for paying resulting medical bills? The employer’s responsibility is determined by a concept known as “vicarious liability,” which is also referred to as “respondent superior”. In simple terms, this means employers are accountable for the actions of their employees, so if they are involved in an accident in a work vehicle, the employer is at least somewhat liable. However, with any case, there are many factors that come into play that can impact levels of liability, which is why it is important to have a personal injury attorney who can help walk you through all the complexities involved with a work vehicle accident.

Does Workers’ Compensation Apply?

The answer depends. If you are involved in an accident while operating a work vehicle you may be able to seek workers’ compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages. It is important to remember that just because you were injured in a work vehicle does not mean you are guaranteed workers’ comp benefits. In the state of Pennsylvania, employers are only responsible for accidents if they occurred while the employee was acting in the scope of employment. For example, if you were using the company vehicle on the weekend to run errands and were involved in an accident, you may not be eligible for compensation from your employer. It is important to note that even if you caused the accident, if the accident was work-related you may still be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.

What if the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

In many cases, the driver of the company vehicle may not be at fault. In this specific circumstance, the injured may be able to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. A third-party claim and workers’ compensation claim can be filled at the same time and both may be granted to the injured individual.

Having an Experienced Attorney on Your Side

At Dale E. Anstine Personal Injury Law Firm, your injury is our fight. If you or a loved one is involved in a work vehicle accident that resulted in an injury reach out to our York Pa workers’ comp lawyers and accident attorneys who have a full understanding of the complexities of auto accidents and workers’ compensation claims. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7 and there’s no fee unless we win for you.