Who is Responsible for A Crash That Happens While Driving Your Personal Vehicle for Work?

In today’s working world, work-life boundaries can easily become blurred. You may not think twice about driving your personal vehicle for a work-related errand until you’re involved in an accident. If you’ve been injured in a work-related car accident in Myrtle Beach, SC, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.

Work-related car accidents are complicated, and knowing what compensation you may qualify for can be complex. At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, our car crash lawyer team has years of experience with car accident claims. We know how to navigate the legal system and can help you seek a full, fair settlement for your losses. 

We are here to support you during this difficult time and answer any questions you may have. Our lawyers are committed to doing everything we can to help you get back on your feet. Contact our Myrtle Beach car accident attorney team today at 843-427-2800 to set up a free consultation. We look forward to seeing how we can help.

Is An Employer Liable For An Employee’s Car Crash?

In some cases, yes. If an accident happened while you were driving your personal vehicle for work-related purposes, you should be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You may also be able to file a third-party claim against the other driver if they were at fault for the crash. You should still be eligible for workers’ comp even if you were at fault for causing the accident.

Your actions at the time of the accident must fall under the scope of your employment in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if you were running a job-related errand in your personal vehicle when an accident happened, you would be able to receive compensation. On the other hand, your employer would not be held liable for an accident that occurred while you stopped to run a personal errand on your way to work.

When Does Workers’ Compensation Apply for Car Accidents During Work Hours?

You may be eligible to receive a workers’ compensation settlement for severe injuries resulting from an accident while you were driving a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

You may have questions about how you can receive compensation for your injuries. The first step in building your case is understanding what qualifies as a “work-related” purpose. There are lots of different scenarios that could be considered work-related, but a few common ones include:

• Making work-related deliveries or running an errand for your employer
• Providing transportation for a client or another employee
• Traveling for work (Traveling salespeople often fall into this category.)
• You drive for a living (In this case, you must be considered an employee, not a contractor, to be eligible for workers’ compensation. For example, a postal worker involved in an accident on their daily route would qualify.)

Understanding what is considered a work-related purpose is important because you must demonstrate that you were engaged in one of the above activities to be eligible for workers’ compensation.

The Coming and Going Rule in South Carolina: What Happens If You Get Into A Car Accident While Driving To Work?

In South Carolina, you cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits for an accident that happened during your daily commute to or from work. This is known as the “coming and going rule.” However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you stopped to complete an errand for your employer on your way to work and got in an accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured In An Accident While Driving A Personal Vehicle For Work?

Anytime you are involved in a car wreck, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Right after a wreck, you might start to panic about what your crash will mean for your job and whether your boss will be upset. While you should certainly let your employer know about the accident, you should still take the proper measures to ensure your health and legal rights are protected.

Here are a few steps everyone should follow immediately after a car accident involving a personal vehicle used for work purposes.

1. Call emergency services. If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, you should alert emergency services and file a police report. Emergency medical service professionals can assess your health and determine whether you should visit the hospital.
2. Get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information. If you don’t need immediate medical assistance, try to collect basic information about the other driver involved in the collision. Don’t make any speculations about who was at fault. Keep it brief, and just get the information you need. It is not advised to allow the at-fault driver to cover your damages with cash to avoid an insurance claim. Following the proper steps to file an insurance claim will help ensure the crash is documented properly and you receive full justice.
3. Gather evidence. Again, your top priority should be getting any emergency medical care you may need. However, if you have the chance, it can be helpful to gather some evidence at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the damage and collect contact information from witnesses.
4. Contact your employer. Submit a written report to your employer about the accident. Don’t make any assumptions about liability. Just state the facts. It is important to submit a report if you believe you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get the medical attention you need for your injuries. After any car accident that results in injuries or pain, you should visit a medical professional as soon as possible in order to get a proper diagnosis and begin the recovery process. Be sure to keep all documentation of medical visits, surgeries, treatments, medication, and any other expenses related to your injuries.

How Our Myrtle Beach, SC Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you’ve experienced serious injuries as a result of a work-related car accident in Myrtle Beach, don’t try to tackle your claim by yourself. These types of car accident claims can be complicated and confusing. Let our experienced car accident lawyer team at the Law Office of Kenneth Berger navigate the legal system for you so you can focus on your recovery.

We pride ourselves on treating every client like a family member. Our goal is to serve as a source of guidance for you during this difficult time. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and we keep you updated about the state of your case every step of the way.

Reach out to our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer team today at 843-427-2800 to set up a free consultation. We are more than happy to assess your situation and help you review your legal options.