Crashing in a company car can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s not always clear who’s responsible for what.
You might be wondering if you’re on the hook for the damage—or if your employer or their insurance is supposed to step in instead. That uncertainty can leave you anxious about your job, your finances, and how this accident might follow you.
At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, our experienced car accident lawyers help employees sort out these situations and protect their rights from the start.
Call (702) 252-0055 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
“I Was in an Accident in a Company Vehicle – Who Pays?
Accidents involving company vehicles in Las Vegas can raise complicated legal questions about who’s responsible for the damage.
If you’re driving as part of your job duties, your employer is often liable—but that changes quickly if you’re off the clock or using the vehicle for personal errands.
Understanding how liability works in these situations is essential, especially when insurance companies get involved or if the accident results in injuries. Nevada law generally holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees during work-related activities, but there are important exceptions. Reckless behavior, unauthorized use, or even a poorly maintained vehicle can all shift the responsibility.
Whether you’re an employee behind the wheel, someone hit by a company car, or just trying to make sense of insurance coverage, this guide breaks down what you need to know about employer liability in company car accidents across Las Vegas. Clear steps and legal insight can make a big difference.
Las Vegas Employer Liability in Company Car Accidents
In the case that you’re driving a work vehicle as part of your job duties, your employer is usually the one held legally responsible for what happens. That changes if you were using the car for personal reasons. For example, if you took the car to run errands or head home, your employer may not be on the hook for any damage caused in a crash.
Las Vegas Employee Responsibility and Negligence
There are situations where the employee—not the employer—is on the line. If you’re driving distracted, speeding, under the influence, or just being reckless, you could be held personally responsible. Being in a company car doesn’t shield you from liability if you were clearly at fault. Your own actions can take precedence over who owns the vehicle.
When the Other Driver Is at Fault
If the other person caused the crash, their insurance is usually expected to cover the costs. In that case, your employer’s coverage might not even come into play. But if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance—or none at all—you might need to rely on your own coverage or the company’s policy.
If the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained and that played a role in the crash, your employer could be partly to blame. If you were using the car for work-related tasks at the time, that also supports using company insurance. Always document the scene. Photos, witness names, and the police report can make a difference in proving who’s responsible.
What If You Were Off the Clock?
As we mentioned, using a company car for something personal—like visiting a friend or making a quick stop that’s not part of your job—can shift the responsibility away from your employer. Just because the vehicle is company-owned doesn’t mean they’re always responsible for what happens. In these cases, you could be held accountable for the damages, and may need to rely on your personal insurance or other coverage options.
Insurance Coverage for Company Vehicles in Nevada
Insurance coverage for company vehicles in Nevada can be complicated, especially after an accident. While the vehicle may be owned by the business, that doesn’t always mean the company’s policy covers everything.
Primary Commercial Coverage
Most employers carry commercial auto insurance. This usually kicks in when an employee is driving for work purposes.
Employee-Use Exceptions
If you were using the car for something unrelated to work, the company’s insurance might not apply.
Personal and Supplemental Policies
Sometimes, your own insurance or another policy might be involved, particularly if the accident occurs outside of work hours.
Steps to Take After a Company Car Accident in Las Vegas
Accidents involving company cars can be disorienting. It’s easy to forget what to do next, but knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health, your job, and your future.
Here’s what you should do immediately after an accident:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Notify your employer about the accident
- Document the scene with photos and witness information
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Contact a car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
FAQs
If you’re ever in an accident while driving a company car, it can be a bit confusing knowing what to do next. Here’s a simple rundown of some car accident FAQs people have about these situations.
What happens if I get in an accident in a company vehicle?
If you’re in an accident while driving a company car, what happens next depends on the situation. Typically, your employer’s insurance will cover the damage, but if you’re off the clock or using the car for personal reasons, you might need to rely on your own insurance. Either way, make sure to report it to your employer right away and check in with your insurance too.
What happens if a company car hits you?
If a company car hits you, the company’s insurance is usually the one that will cover the damages. But, if the driver was off-duty or using the car in a way they shouldn’t have, the company might not be responsible. Be sure to get the driver’s info and file a claim either through the company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance.
What happens if you crash a company car?
If you crash a company car, it’s usually covered by the company’s insurance, but it really depends on the situation. If it happened while you were on the job, the company’s insurance is probably going to cover it. But if you were using the car for personal reasons, then your own insurance might kick in.
If I have an accident in a company car, does it affect my insurance?
Most of the time, your personal insurance won’t be affected unless you were using the company car for personal reasons. If the employer’s insurance covers the accident, your own policy probably won’t be involved. It’s still a good idea to check with both your employer and your insurance company just to make sure everything’s being handled in the right way.
Can employers make employees pay for accidents?
Typically, employers can’t make employees pay for accidents that happen while doing work-related duties. However, if you were being negligent or using the company vehicle for personal reasons, you might have to cover the costs. It’s a good idea to review your company’s policy and, if needed, talk to a legal expert to get more clarity on your situation.
Can you get fired for crashing a company car?
It’s possible to get fired for crashing a company car, but it really depends on the specifics. If the accident happened while you were doing your job and following the company’s rules, you probably won’t be held at fault. But if you were reckless or constantly breaking company policies, that could lead to disciplinary action or even termination.
Were You In An Accident While Driving A Company Car?
Getting into a wreck while driving a work vehicle can leave you stressed, confused, and unsure of who’s responsible. At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we help people like you get answers—and results—after serious accidents on the job. As a trusted Las Vegas injury law firm, Ramzy Ladah and his team fight for injured workers every day. Reach out now and see why so many trust Ladah Results™ when it matters most.
In conclusion, If you were hurt in an accident while driving a company car, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. These cases can be complicated, especially when insurance, liability, and employment issues overlap.
Our team at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas knows how to handle situations like this from start to finish. We’ll walk you through your options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas at (702) 252-0055 or request a free consultation online.
