Kentucky Company Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Kentucky Company Vehicle Accident Lawyers

When a car accident happens with a company vehicle, it can be confusing determining who will be responsible for the damages. The answer will depend on the exact reasons the employee was driving as well as the circumstances surrounding the collision. If you have been involved in an accident with a company’s vehicle or while driving one, call Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers at (888) 782-9090.

Our Bowling Green company vehicle accident lawyers can evaluate your case for free and help you determine who the liable parties are. Reach us through our contact form online.

Determining Who is at Fault

Kentucky’s law of vicarious liability typically holds an employer or company liable for an employee’s negligent actions. Because an employee is an agent of the employer when they’re driving a vehicle for work, the employer may be liable when an accident occurs. Determining when an employer is responsible for damages is decided based on whether the employee was acting within the scope of their employment duties at the time the accident took place. For example, vicarious liability can apply when a company vehicle accident occurs and the employee is:

• Traveling to or from an appointment with a client.
• Running errands for work.
• Driving to a meeting.
• Driving to any location, as instructed by the company.

In these situations, the company or their insurer is most often liable to compensate injured parties when an employee causes an accident.

When Vicarious Liability Doesn’t Apply

There are situations in which an employer is not legally responsible, due to an employee acting outside the scope of their employment or when a criminal act is committed. Examples of situations in which vicarious liability may not apply, including when an employee is:

• Driving to or from work.
• Stopping for coffee or running an errand on the way to an appointment.
• Traveling to places other than where the employer has instructed you to go.
• Driving recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Driving the company vehicle for any reason that is not work-related.

In these circumstances and others, when an employee is responsible for crashing a company vehicle, they will be personally liable for the damage caused.

Why You Need a Kentucky Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Cases involving company vehicles can be especially complex. It’s important to hire an experienced Bowling Green company vehicle accident lawyer as they will be well-versed in the law of vicarious liability and can immediately investigate the accident to determine who is liable. An attorney will also be vital due to their thorough understanding of Kentucky’s pure comparative negligence laws, as each driver’s percentage of fault will determine the amount of damages awarded. Hiring representation will ensure that you have skilled navigation through the legal process and that you receive the compensation you are warranted.