It’s not uncommon for small business owners or unknowing managers to ask their employees to run errands or otherwise with their own vehicles while on the clock. While it might feel harmless at the time, there can be severe consequences if the employee gets in a car accident while using their personal vehicle for business matters. At Monks Law Firm, we’ve put together a short guide that outlines why it’s a bad idea to have your employees drive personal vehicles for business and why you’ll need a good accident lawyer in Houston if there’s an accident.

You could be liable for others’ injuries

It’s important to remember that auto insurance covers more than the damage done to vehicles in an accident. Auto insurance, rather than health insurance, is billed for all medical bills for injuries associated with a car accident. For example, suppose you’re in a car accident that’s your fault and the other driver sustains a back injury. In that case, your liability insurance will pay for their medical treatment associated with the accident.

The problem you’ll run into if you’re driving for work is that your personal auto insurance probably doesn’t cover commercial driving, which means either you could be on the hook for damages. Those who don’t have insurance coverage will have to pay out-of-pocket to accommodate the needs of the other driver.

Your employer might not be covered

When you’re driving a commercial vehicle, your employer has it covered with a commercial auto insurance plan that’s designed to insure any employee driving that vehicle. In the case where you’re driving a personal vehicle for business, your employer likely doesn’t have coverage for your vehicle. If you’re not covered by your personal insurance or commercial insurance, you’re entirely on your own with vehicle repairs and medical bills for your vehicle, as well as the other driver if you’re at fault for the accident.

If you’re someone who often drives their personal vehicle for work purposes, ask your employer if they have hired and non-owned auto coverage. HNOA insurance will fill in the liability gaps that personal auto insurance won’t cover. You can feel more comfortable driving with the proper insurance coverage when running errands, visiting clients, or making deliveries.

Your insurance company will likely deny your claim

Keep in mind that insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they’re not always willing to pay out insurance benefits unless the incident is cut and dry. Even then, your insurance company will look for any reason possible to deny your claim. You need a car accident lawyer who can fight your insurance company for you. We understand the importance of gathering evidence in your case to present it to your insurance company, so you don’t end up missing out on any potential benefits you’ve been paying for.

Reach out to schedule a consultation

Don’t wait to see how your accident ruling plays out, get in touch with us at Monks Law Firm today to hire a car accident lawyer in Houston. We’ll fight for your rights during your car accident case to ensure that you’re protected and getting adequate compensation when you deserve it. Contact us by calling 713-666-6657 or send a message using our online contact form. You can also send an email directly to info@monkslaw.com. Please don’t send sensitive information through email, as attorney-client privilege isn’t established until we take your case. We’ll cover those items when we speak.