Personal Injury: Employer Liability in Auto Accidents

Seeking Compensation After an Accident with a Negligent Driver

If you were in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you might be able to sue the driver. Additionally, if the driver was operating a company vehicle or conducting work-related business, their employer could also be held liable. Pursuing legal action is a significant decision, but if you have suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own, seeking compensation is crucial to cover medical bills, household expenses, and other essential needs. At The Slaughter Law Firm in Tennessee, we understand the complexities that arise from personal injuries in automobile accidents. We work diligently to ensure that those injured by a driver in a company vehicle or on work-related business receive the compensation they deserve.

When Can an Employer Be Held Liable?

Determining employer liability for an employee’s actions while driving is not always straightforward. However, there are clear situations where an employer is responsible for an accident. For instance, if an employer explicitly or implicitly requires an employee to drive their vehicle for work, the employer is liable for any accident during work hours. An explicit demand means the employer has instructed the employee to have their vehicle ready for job functions. An implicit demand occurs when the employee needs to drive to fulfill their job duties, even if not explicitly told to do so. Employers are also liable if an employee is driving on an assigned route or performing job-related tasks, such as fixing or installing an appliance, in either a personal or company vehicle.

Steps to Take After the Accident

If you believe the driver was working at the time of the accident, first notify your insurance company with the accident’s basic details: time, date, and location. Avoid discussing injuries or next steps at this point.

Next, contact a personal injury attorney with a successful track record. Hiring an experienced lawyer promptly is crucial due to strict insurance company policies on claim filing deadlines. Different insurers have varying timelines for filing claims, and there are also court filing deadlines to consider.

Supporting Your Recovery

A motor vehicle accident can strain your finances and family. Deciding to sue can add stress, especially when worrying about bills. At The Slaughter Law Firm, we support our clients by collaborating with physicians, investigators, legal nurse consultants, other attorneys, and paralegals. We ensure our clients receive necessary medical treatments and build strong cases for court. While some cases settle out of court, we prepare every case meticulously for trial. If you were injured in an accident with someone working at the time, you need representation that understands the law and can handle insurance companies and their attorneys effectively. Contact us for a no-risk consultation at 423-844-0560 today.