Were you involved in a crash in a company vehicle in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina? Whether you were in the company car, in another vehicle, or a pedestrian/cyclist, it is imperative that you know how to protect your rights. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we handle car accident claims and workers’ compensation claims. In this article, you will find a guide to company vehicle accidents in South Carolina.
Starting Point: Workers’ Comp Claim vs. Personal Injury Claim
If you were not on the job during a company vehicle crash—whether you were in another vehicle or were off the clock—then your case will be a fault-based personal injury claim. If you were on the job when the crash occurred, you may also be able to pursue a no-fault workers’ comp claim in addition to your personal injury case. A lawyer can help you explore every option.
Motor Vehicle Accident Liability in South Carolina is Based on Negligence
Who is legally liable for a motor vehicle crash in SC? The short answer is that the negligent party can be held responsible for the crash, including if it is a company vehicle collision. Here is an overview of the key elements of negligence in South Carolina:
● Duty of Care: You must prove the company driver, or other driver, had a legal obligation to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly.
● Breach of Duty: You must prove the driver, their employer, or another party failed to uphold this duty by acting carelessly or violating traffic laws.
● Causation: You must prove that the defendant’s driver’s breach directly caused the accident and your injuries. Causation is a required element of negligence.
● Damages: Finally, you must have suffered actual damages—physical injuries—due to the company vehicle accident. You need to be prepared to prove your damages.
Every Company Vehicle Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation
A prompt investigation can make a big difference in your company vehicle accident claim. You should take pictures, collect witness information, get a copy of the police report, and secure any other relevant evidence. The more information that you have, the better positioned you will be to navigate the claims process and secure full and fair compensation for your injuries.
In a company vehicle accident in South Carolina, employer liability can be a key issue. Indeed, employers can often be held liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior”. Further, they often are required to have a commercial insurance policy to cover the vehicle. An experienced Charleston company vehicle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.
Contact Our Charleston Company Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston, SC, company vehicle accident lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Do not go at it alone after a bad crash. Contact us right away for your free, no-strings-attached case review. From our office in Charleston, we handle company vehicle accident claims throughout the region of South Carolina.