What Happens if I am in an Indiana Car Accident While Working?
If you are in a car accident while working, liability issues can become very complex — whether you drive a truck for your employer in Indianapolis or even for workers who become involved in car accidents while using his or her own vehicles to run work-related errands in Marion County. Naturally, your first priority involves seeking immediate attention for medical emergencies. Then you need to contact your employer, and next seek advice from an experienced auto accident attorney.
Workers compensation often pays for the costs of your injuries after work-related auto accidents
Your employer must carry workers compensation insurance that compensates employees for expenses related to injuries sustained on-the-job — regardless of liability. Information about these benefits should be prominently posted in the workplace, and the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana answers common questions on his or her website. However, negligence issues still come into play when addressing property damage or injuries to others involved in the accident.
Liability for other issues
Any work-related Indiana car accident claim involves all the liability issues typical of any accident. If the negligence of others else causes an accident, those parties or their insurance companies typically have the responsibility of paying damages. However, even if your own negligence causes an accident, your employer can share liability for many reasons, including the following:
- Insufficient maintenance of a company vehicle. If you drive any type of vehicle owned by your employer, the company may have liability if a malfunction of the vehicle contributes to the accident.
- Inadequate employee supervision. Employers can have some degree of liability if they send an employee on an errand without reasonable assurance that the worker can safely handle a vehicle — whether that vehicle belongs to the employee or to the company.
- Vicarious liability. When workers perform acts under the direction of employers, such as would be the case when running an errand, employers can have some degree of liability for accidents even if they were not negligent in any way.
An experienced attorney can address complex issues involving work-related auto accidents
Any auto accident can involve many issues that complicate injury claims, but accidents that occur while on company business essentially add one more party to complicate the situation. The Indianapolis, IN car accident attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience providing advice and legal support to clients involved in any type of auto accident claim. We are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us at 317-639-9501 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
