When employees drive as part of their job—whether in a company-owned vehicle or their personal car—their employer may be legally responsible if an accident occurs. This responsibility stems from the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers accountable for their employees’ actions when performed within the scope of their job duties. Tasks such as making deliveries, traveling to client appointments, or running work-related errands typically fall under this rule. However, when an employee is driving for personal reasons, commuting, or operating a vehicle while impaired, employers are usually not liable. In those situations, the employee’s personal auto insurance is generally responsible for covering damages.

Vehicle accidents that occur during work are a major contributor to workplace injuries and fatalities across the country. Thousands of employees are harmed in job-related crashes each year, leading to significant time away from work. The causes often mirror everyday road hazards, including distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and mechanical problems. But work-related driving commonly adds extra challenges. Drivers may face tight schedules, unfamiliar territories, or pressure to multitask, all of which can increase the risk of an incident. To help prevent these issues, employers should prioritize vehicle upkeep, provide thorough driver training, and establish safe and reasonable expectations for anyone who drives as part of their job.

If a worker is injured in a motor vehicle accident while performing job duties, they are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This system provides coverage regardless of who caused the collision. Workers’ comp can pay for medical care, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages, though it does not include compensation for pain and suffering. Injured employees may still pursue additional legal claims against third parties—such as other drivers or vehicle manufacturers—if those parties contributed to the crash. For employees using their personal vehicles, workers’ comp still applies to injuries, but any damage to the car must be handled through the employee’s personal auto insurance.

When a company vehicle is involved in a crash, employer liability depends heavily on what the employee was doing at the time. Many businesses carry insurance that covers injuries and property damage caused by employees while driving company-owned vehicles. But if the employee was off duty, impaired, or acting against company policy, they may face personal consequences, including financial responsibility or disciplinary action. In some cases, liability may be shared between the employer and employee. This often occurs when the employer failed to properly train the employee, did not adequately supervise their driving activities, or neglected essential vehicle maintenance.

Determining who is at fault in a work-related vehicle accident requires examining several factors, including the purpose of the employee’s trip, the employer’s driving policies, and the insurance coverage available. Both employers and employees benefit from understanding how these distinctions work. The outcome influences who pays for damages, what benefits the injured worker receives, and what legal protections apply after the crash. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, businesses and their teams can reduce risk and navigate the aftermath of workplace vehicle accidents more effectively.