What to do if I got in a accident when I was on a job with the company car?
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What to do if I got in a accident when I was on a job with the company car?
The person I got into the accident with cut right in front of me because they where lost. So my company paid them and now my license is suspended cause there attorney is trying to make me pay for the accident. Is that is it right for them to do that or I need to hire my own lawyer?
Asked on April 14, 2013 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you were at fault (e.g. driving carelessly or negligently) in causing the accident, you would be liable for it. You would also be liable if any terms, conditions, etc. of employment included that you accepted responsibility for all damage to a company vehicle or any costs the company incurred. Beyond that, they most likely cannot *make* you pay if you choose not--but they certainly could terminate you from employment (unless you have an employment contract protecting your job) for, among other reasons, not reimbursing the company for these costs. That's because without an employment contract, you are an "employee at will" and may be fired at any time, for any reason.
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