Getting in a car accident on the way to work is the primary ingredient in a recipe for a bad day. Not only does a car accident delay your entire schedule but it also creates an entire new to-do list to check off. The list includes things like dealing with the insurance company, getting your car repaired, and healing from injuries – to name a few.
If you have recently been injured in an accident on the way to work, you might be wondering – who is liable? Here, we’re going to explore the answer to that question.
Accidents On Your Own Time Are Your Responsibility
Many people assume if they get into an accident on their way to or from work that the company, they work for can be held responsible. Unfortunately, that is not the case. During the commute from your house to your office, you are on your own time. Therefore, your employer cannot be held responsible. The only time there is an exception to this rule is when you are clocked-in and on official business during your commute.
Accidents during the workday, however, are a different story. If you are driving from one location of the business to another, running an errand for your employer, or on an appointment related to work your company can be held partially liable for a car accident.
New Hampshire Is An At-Fault State
Any time you get into an accident in New Hampshire, whether it is during the workday or not, you need to take into consideration that New Hampshire is an at-fault state. This means, whoever is deemed responsible for the accident is held liable for the costs associated with the accident. To determine fault in a car accident, it is important to contact the local authorities and file an official report. Once a report is obtained, you can file a claim with your own insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, depending on who is at fault.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has determined that driving to and from work is generally not work-related due to the fact that driving to and from work constitutes ordinary perils of travel. However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule.
If you are involved in an accident during the workday, the best thing you can do is contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases. They will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine who is at fault and if your employer can be held responsible.
Contact Patch & FitzGerald For Your Personal Injury Claim
Patch & Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law is one of the top personal injury law firms in the state of New Hampshire. Attorney FitzGerald specializes in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases and has the knowledge and experience required to help you win your case. All of our staff cares deeply about every client and work hard to get to know their circumstances so we can best help them get back on their feet. If you have been involved in a work injury or car accident, we want to help you.
Call 603-607-2600 or contact us online for your free case evaluation today.