Getting in an accident in a company vehicle can be stressful. Whether you were driving a delivery van in downtown Las Vegas, a taxi on the Strip, or a work truck between job sites, you might worry about your job, medical bills, and who’s responsible. That’s when you might start searching: What happens if I get in an accident in a company vehicle? Who pays for an accident in a company vehicle?
You might also start looking for a company car crash attorney. Here’s what they might tell you about liability, paying for damages, and what to do next.
Steps to Take After an Accident in a Company Vehicle
When you’re in an auto accident in a company vehicle, your mind might start racing. You’ll probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Just remember these clear steps to take to protect yourself and document what happened.
Ensure Safety
Your first priority is keeping everyone safe and preventing more accidents. In busy tourist areas like the Strip or downtown Las Vegas, this usually means moving vehicles out of traffic if possible and checking everyone for injuries. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s better to have them checked by professionals who know what to look for after a crash.
Exchange Information
Getting the other driver’s information is required by Nevada law. You’ll need their full name, phone number, address, insurance policy details, and license plate number. If they’re visiting from out of state, which is common in Las Vegas, make sure to get their permanent address. Stick to collecting information and avoid discussing who caused the accident or making statements that could be used against you later.
Document the Scene
Get out your smartphone and take plenty of pictures showing the vehicle damage from multiple angles and the entire accident scene. Include shots of any skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and property damage. Write down or record a voice memo about what happened while the details are fresh in your mind, and get contact information from any witnesses. You’ll need these records if questions come up about what happened or if you end up filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Notify Your Supervisor
Call your supervisor or manager as soon as you’ve handled safety concerns and documented the scene. Most companies require work related accident reports within a specific timeframe, so don’t delay making this call even if it’s after hours. Stick to the basic facts when explaining what happened and don’t admit fault. This initial report often sets the tone for how your company handles the situation, so stay professional and factual.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Las Vegas has many urgent care centers and emergency rooms that regularly treat accident victims and know what to look for. You should also keep a journal of your injuries, including any pain or symptoms you experience over time.
Review Company Policy
Take time to read through your company’s vehicle accident policies, which you can usually find in your employee handbook. Many Las Vegas employers, especially those in transportation and delivery services, have specific requirements about drug testing, incident reports, and other post-accident protocols. Following them helps protect your job and your right to compensation, while missing a step could cause problems with your claim later.
Keep Records
Save everything related to the accident, from medical bills and repair estimates to emails and text messages. Make copies of the police report, any company incident reports you file, and records of work time you miss due to injuries. Write down names and contact information for everyone involved, including insurance adjusters who contact you. Good records are your best defense if questions or disputes come up later in your accident case.
Understanding Liability for Accidents in a Company Car
Another answer to the question “What happens when you get in an accident in a company vehicle?” is that the insurance companies will need to determine liability.
Whether you’re at fault can depend on what you were doing when the accident happened and whether you were following company policies—and it plays a big role in what happens if you crash a company car.
Personal Liability
You might be personally responsible if you were using the company vehicle for personal errands or weren’t authorized to drive it. Driving under the influence or reckless behavior can also make you personally liable for car accident damages. (This is also one of the ways you can get fired for crashing a company car.) However, Nevada law protects workers from many types of personal liability, as long as you were driving as part of your job duties and following the law and company policy.
Vicarious Liability
When you’re driving a company vehicle as part of your regular job duties, your employer is usually responsible for accidents through a principle called “vicarious liability.” This means if you’re making deliveries, driving to work sites, or transporting passengers when an accident happens, your employer is typically liable. Your employer’s insurance should cover damages even if you made a mistake, as long as you were doing your job and weren’t grossly negligent.
Can My Employer Make Me Pay for Damage to a Company Vehicle?
In Nevada, your employer generally cannot force you to pay for accident damage unless you previously signed an agreement saying that you were responsible. Even if such an agreement exists, your employer cannot deduct repair costs from your paycheck without your written consent after the accident.
If your employer threatens to fire you or tries to make you pay for accident damage, you should seek free consultation with a company car accident attorney who understands Nevada employment law. Many employers try to pressure workers into paying for damages, but this often violates state law.
Get Informed on Workers’ Compensation Policies
Getting hurt in an accident while driving for work typically qualifies you for workers’ compensation benefits in Nevada. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care, regardless of who caused the accident. You’re protected even if you were at fault, as long as you weren’t intoxicated or intentionally reckless.
You can claim workers’ compensation in addition to making other insurance claims. This is a little different than what happens if a company car hits you—workers’ compensation only applies to employees who are on the job at the time of the injury, not to the general public.
When to Seek Help From a Company Car Crash Attorney
Whether you were in a work truck accident, driving a sedan to a sales meeting, or making deliveries in an EV, having a skilled attorney can help you navigate an accident in a company vehicle. A lawyer who knows Nevada law can help you handle insurance companies, workers’ compensation claims, and any pressure from your employer.
At Blackburn Wirth law firm, we’ve helped many Las Vegas workers navigate the complex aftermath of company vehicle accidents. We’ll explain your rights, handle the paperwork, and fight to get you fair compensation, so you can stop worrying about what happens when you get in an accident in a company vehicle and start thinking about your future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
