A business vehicle accident can be a very serious problem, and the resulting damage can be devastating. This type of accident can be caused by a number of different factors, including drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or a poorly maintained vehicle. Even a smaller company vehicle can be involved in a crash that causes minor damage, but larger company vehicles can be involved in catastrophic crashes that result in severe injuries and death. Therefore, it is vital that drivers of company vehicles be properly trained to avoid causing accidents and other problems.
Distracted driving
The dangers of distracted driving are becoming more widespread in the business vehicle industry. In fact, according to a recent article in Transport Topics, more than one-third of all nationwide business trips are disrupted by distracted driving. The article cited the increasing use of smartphones as one of the leading causes.
According to the report, drivers who are distracted while driving are 69 percent more likely to crash. Other common causes of distracted driving include smoking and reaching for e-cigarettes. According to a study conducted by the FMCSA and NHTSA, distracted drivers are responsible for approximately 11,000 business vehicle accidents every year.
Driving under the influence
Business vehicle accidents can be devastating for the victims of a drunk driver. The first thing you should do if you suspect a drunk driver is to call 911. The police will respond to your call and examine the driver to determine whether or not they are legally impaired. If the test comes back positive, the accident victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Additionally, a positive test will get the drunk driver off the road.
The first time an offender is arrested for driving under the influence, they will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. If a drunk driver is involved in a serious accident, they will face the possibility of jail time and the need of help from a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. In some states, such as Tennessee, a DUI conviction can result in a mandatory jail term of 30 days. The penalty increases for second DUI convictions.
Distracted driving while on the job
Whether it’s a texting driver or a drunk driver, business vehicle accidents often occur due to a distracted driver. These accidents can lead to financial losses for the business. Damages can range from $24,500 to $150,000 per incident, and if an employee is injured, the costs could reach millions of dollars. These accidents are preventable. For this reason, employers should hold regular training on distracted driving and require all employees to adhere to company policy.
Distracted driving is an increasing problem for employers whose employees must drive company vehicles. Even a simple phone call to check an email can be considered a distraction and a liability for the company. According to the Travelers Risk Index, 30% of businesses are concerned about the risks that distracted driving poses to their employees. Furthermore, 27% of employees reported receiving work-related texts while driving, which could potentially pose a liability for employers.
Employer liability
Most large and medium-sized businesses carry some amount of liability insurance to protect themselves from potential liability related to accidents involving business vehicles. This insurance covers both the employer and the employee if they are in a crash while driving company vehicles. It also protects the company from lawsuits that may arise if an employee is negligent or causes an accident while acting in the course of his or her employment.
In Texas, employer liability for business vehicle accidents is not limited to property damage. In the event of an accident, two or more parties may be liable, but the amount of compensation will depend on the degree of fault. An example would be a two-car accident, in which the company car driver was texting while driving. In that situation, the company could be held vicariously liable.
