# I’ve Been in an Accident in Houston With a Company Car. What Should I Do? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. If the Accident Was Your Fault 2. If the Accident Was Not Your Fault 3. If the Drivers Share Fault for the Accident 4. Liability for Criminal Acts 5. If You Were Hit by a Company Vehicle 6. Workers’ Compensation Claims 7. Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![I've Been in an Accident in Houston With a Company Car: What Should I Do?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ive-Been-in-an-Accident-in-Houston-With-a-Company-Car-What-Should-I-Do-300x200.jpg) Many businesses and other employers supply their employees with company cars. The reason is obvious: many jobs require a lot of driving. Employees use the car while on duty, but they might take it home at night as well.  So what happens if you suffer a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) while driving a company car? You need to know your responsibilities and options. Most importantly, you need to contact a [Houston](https://www.visithoustontexas.com/) personal injury lawyer. ## If the Accident Was Your Fault The situation could be distressing if you caused the accident yourself, and the fact that you were driving a company car might not help you. Being on duty at the time of the accident could be to your benefit, however. ### The Doctrine of Respondeat Superior The doctrine of [respondeat superior](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/respondeat_superior) is a form of [vicarious liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/vicarious-liability/) that could shift liability for your accident from you to your company. Under respondeat superior, your employer is responsible for any wrongdoing you commit while acting within the scope of your duties. This rule does not protect you if you are an independent contractor – you must be an employee. Remember, vicarious liability kicks in or fades out depending on whether you were furthering your employer’s business. If you were making a company delivery at the time of the accident, your company is probably [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for the accident. If, instead, you were driving to lunch or home after work, your company probably isn’t responsible. ### Non-Work-Related Accidents Let’s assume the accident occurred when you were not furthering your employer’s business. In that case, your own auto liability insurance should cover the other party’s damages, at least up to your policy limits. You could bear personal liability for the remainder. ### What if the Other Side Is Unfairly Blaming You for the Accident? It might also be the case that the other side is [unfairly blaming you](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-a-personal-injury-lawyer-can-help-if-youre-being-blamed-for-an-accident/). [Hiring](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/when-should-i-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/) a lawyer can help you fight back. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## If the Accident Was Not Your Fault If the accident was not your fault, it is you who will be [filing a claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-process-of-a-personal-injury-claim/), not defending against one. This works just like any other [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/claim-vs-lawsuit/). The [at-fault driver](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-when-you-are-at-fault-in-a-car-accident/) will bear liability to both you (for your injuries and [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/)) and the company (for damage to the vehicle).  ## If the Drivers Share Fault for the Accident If two or more parties [share fault](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-contributory-fault/) for the accident, Texas’s “modified comparative [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/)” principles kick in. Any party more than 50% at fault can receive no damages, no matter how serious their injuries.  Any party whose percentage of fault is 50% or less can receive damages, but a court will deduct that party’s percentage of fault from their [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/). If you were 30% at fault, for example, you would lose 30% of your damages. Consequently, if the other driver was more than 50% at fault for the accident, your liability will be zero, and so there will be no liability to shift to your company. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Liability for Criminal Acts Your company is not vicariously liable for any criminal act you might commit, such as [DUI](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/dui/). You will bear personal liability for any damages arising from any such misconduct. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## If You Were Hit by a Company Vehicle If you were hit by a company vehicle, regardless of whether you were working for the company that owns the vehicle, the concept of vicarious liability will probably work in your favor. Now you don’t have to rely on the at-fault driver’s (likely) meager auto insurance.  Instead, you can sue the employer directly. They can pay your damages out of their own pocket, or they can rely on their own business liability insurance if they carry any. Click here to learn more about [out-of-pocket expenses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/). ## Workers’ Compensation Claims If you were on duty at the time of the accident, you might be able to [file a workers’ compensation claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/). This possibility could apply even if the accident was your fault.  ## Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Claims can get complex when vicarious liability is involved. This is why you should schedule a [free initial consultation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-approach-a-free-consultation-with-an-attorney/) with a Houston company vehicle accident lawyer if you were involved in a company car accident. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Information on Texas Traffic Crash Reports](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Information-on-Texas-Traffic-Crash-Reports-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/information-on-texas-traffic-crash-reports/) [Information on Texas Traffic Crash Reports](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/information-on-texas-traffic-crash-reports/) If you are involved in any type of traffic accident in Texas, you will probably find yourself dealing with insurance [![Tips on Staying Safe When Taking an Uber or Lyft in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/tips-on-staying-safe-when-taking-an-uber-or-lyft-in-houston-tx/) [Tips on Staying Safe When Taking an Uber or Lyft in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/tips-on-staying-safe-when-taking-an-uber-or-lyft-in-houston-tx/) Uber and Lyft continue to dominate the U.S. ridesharing market, with Uber’s sales having increased approximately [![Car Crash in Houston Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/car-crash-houston-texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/five-things-to-know-about-car-accident-settlement-agreements/) [Five Things to Know About Car Accident Settlement Agreements](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/five-things-to-know-about-car-accident-settlement-agreements/) If someone else caused your car accident, that party might be liable for your damages. Damages include physical [![How To File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-To-File-a-Car-Accident-Claim-With-Allstate-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-file-a-car-accident-claim-with-allstate-in-houston/) [How to File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-file-a-car-accident-claim-with-allstate-in-houston/) A car accident can upend your life faster than you can even ask yourself what happened. In an injury accident, it’s --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/ive-been-in-an-accident-in-houston-with-a-company-car-what-should-i-do/