Getting into an accident in a company vehicle,especially while on company time,can quickly spiral into a maze of insurance claims, company policies, and legal confusion. It’s crucial to understand the company car accident procedure, whether the accident circumstances involve personal vehicle use, company-owned vehicles, or company cars, knowing the claims process, fault party, and relevant legal principle can protect you from serious financial responsibility.
This detailed accident checklist will help you understand your legal claims, insurance coverage, and compensation options under South Carolina insurance law and employment law,especially if you’re one of many accident victims dealing with a company car accident.
1. Move to a Safe Location and Report the Incident
The first step after any auto accident is to ensure safety. If possible, move the company vehicle to a safe location and call 911 to file accident reports with a police officer. Mention that it was a company car crash and that you were performing job duties.
If you’re at a client appointment, meeting with clients, or transporting cargo for clients, the incident still falls under scope of employment, making your employer liable.
Tip: Request medical attention for any accident injury, even minor ones like soft tissue injuries. Keep all medical records for your compensation claim.
2. Document the Accident Details
While waiting for authorities, collect essential insurance details, such as:
- Insurance provider and insurance policy
- Photos of vehicle accident damage, skid marks, and surrounding driving conditions
- License plates of involved vehicles
- Witness contact details
Note the accident circumstances, such as if the fault driver was distracted, violating company policies, or practicing reckless behavior.
3. Notify Your Employer and Follow Company Policies
Immediately notify your supervisor or HR. Many companies include accident to law enforcement, accident claim steps, and disciplinary actions in the employee handbook.
Avoid signing any documents that imply fault or limit your compensation to victims.
4. Understand Workers’ Compensation and Related Benefits
In South Carolina, injured employees are generally eligible for compensation benefits if the company car accident occurred during work-related activity. You can file for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Fair compensation
- Disability or major injuries
If you were off-duty or using the company vehicle for personal purposes, your claim might be denied due to intentional actions or violating company policies.
5. Determining the Fault Party and Legal Liability
Depending on your actions and the accident details, liability could fall on:
Employer (Employer Liability)
If you were working under the scope of employment, your employer might be responsible under the legal principle of respondeat superior,a form of legal liability.
Third-Party (Fault Driver)
You can pursue a compensation claim against a drunk driver, distracted driver, or any negligent third party.
Personal Liability
You may be personally liable if you were:
- Driving under influence (Drunk driving)
- Violating employment contract
- Using the company car for personal car insurance reasons
In such cases, the responsible party might be you,not your auto insurance company or commercial auto insurance provider.
6. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Commercial auto insurance typically covers:
- Collision insurance
- Liability insurance
- Legal action defense
- Insurance claims and accident forgiveness
If using a personal vehicle for business purposes, make sure to check with your auto insurance company whether business insurance or hired and non-owned auto insurance applies.
Ask questions like:
- Who is the authorized driver?
- Does the company auto insurance apply to independent contractors?
- What are the amounts of liability insurance provided?
7. Seek Treatment and Keep Records
Go to a hospital,even if you feel fine. Save every:
- Medical record
- Doctor’s note
- Receipt for treatment
- Proof of accident injury
You’ll need these for a valid accident lawsuit, legal claims, or compensation types like pain and suffering compensation and loss of earning capacity.
8. Know Your Rights Under South Carolina Insurance Law
As an injured worker or accident victim, you may be entitled to:
- Workers’ comp
- Personal injury compensation via auto accident lawyers
- Legal advice from experienced attorneys
Deadlines:
- 90 days to report for workers’ comp
- 2 years to file workers’ comp claim
- 3 years for a personal injury accident lawsuit
9. Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Seek an accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer if:
- You’re denied valid claims
- A commercial insurance policy complicates the process
- Your employer for compensation refuses to cooperate
- You face potential liabilities for the crash complications
A skilled car accident attorney or legal professional can simplify the entire process and ensure your rights are protected.
10. Prevent Future Issues
- Follow your employer’s commercial vehicle accident guidelines
- Know the company policies for authorized drivers
- Avoid bad driving habits or driving practices
- Don’t use the company car for client relationship building outside of business scope
Understanding your employment record, company car accident scenarios, and driving history helps prevent costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Whether dealing with company car accident claims, auto insurance claims, or compensation claims, navigating insurance coverage, accident checklist, and legal action is complex. That’s why having expert advice and support from experienced car accident attorneys is essential for every accident victim in South Carolina.
Need Help With a Company Vehicle Accident?
At Ted Law Firm, our auto vehicle accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys provide strategic guidance for victims of company car accidents. We proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
