Employer Responsibility in Work-Related Car Accidents: What New Jersey Employees and Employers Need to Know
Albert Talone

Work-related car accidents happen every day across New Jersey — in Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Burlington County, Camden County, Mount Laurel, and beyond. Whether an employee is driving a company vehicle or their own car for work tasks, understanding who is responsible and how workers’ compensation applies is essential for both employees and employers.

This guide explains employer liability, employee rights, and best practices for preventing and handling work-related vehicle accidents under New Jersey workers’ compensation law.

When Employers May Be Responsible for Work-Related Car Accidents

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, New Jersey employers can be held liable when an employee causes an accident while performing job-related duties, such as:

  • Driving to client meetings
  • Delivering goods or materials
  • Traveling between job sites
  • Running errands on behalf of the company

However, employer liability typically does not apply if the employee was:

  • Commuting to or from home
  • Driving for personal reasons
  • Acting outside the scope of employment

In these situations, the employee’s personal auto insurance is usually responsible for damages, though workers’ compensation may still apply for injuries if the worker was performing a job-related task.

Work-Related Car Accidents Remain a Leading Cause of Injury

Vehicle crashes are one of the top causes of workplace injuries in New Jersey and nationwide. Employees face risks such as:

  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigue and long hours
  • Time pressure or rushed schedules
  • Poorly maintained vehicles
  • Unfamiliar routes or heavy traffic

For employers, these risks highlight the importance of proper training, safe driving policies, and regular vehicle maintenance. For employees, understanding these hazards helps support safer driving habits on the job.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Employees

If an employee is injured in a car accident while performing work duties, they are generally entitled to New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include:

  • Medical coverage for all treatment related to the injury
  • Temporary disability benefits to replace lost wages
  • Permanent disability compensation if long-term injuries occur
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Workers’ compensation is a no‑fault system — meaning it does not matter who caused the crash. Employees may qualify for benefits even if they were at fault, so long as they were acting within the scope of their employment.

Employees using their personal vehicle for work can still receive workers’ comp, but property damage to their car is handled through personal auto insurance.

Understanding Employer Liability in Company Vehicle Accidents

When an employee is driving a company-owned vehicle, employer liability often depends on several factors. Employers may be held responsible if the accident occurred during legitimate job duties. However, employees may bear responsibility if they were:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Engaging in reckless or unauthorized behavior
  • Violating company policies

There are also situations where both the employer and employee may share liability — particularly if the employer failed to:

  • Maintain the vehicle properly
  • Provide adequate driver training
  • Supervise employees’ driving responsibilities

Understanding these distinctions helps protect workers’ rights and ensures employers meet their legal obligations.

What Employees Should Do After a Work-Related Car Accident

Proper documentation is critical for a successful workers’ compensation claim. Employees should:

  • Document the scene with photos and videos
  • Collect witness statements and insurance details
  • Report the crash to their employer immediately
  • Seek medical attention right away
  • File a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible

Quick action helps prevent delays and ensures all parties understand what happened.

How Employers Can Prevent Work-Related Vehicle Accidents

Employers play a key role in reducing risks and protecting their workforce. Effective strategies include:

  • Implementing clear driving policies
  • Providing regular driver safety training
  • Maintaining company vehicles consistently
  • Setting reasonable delivery or travel expectations
  • Discouraging distracted or rushed driving

These steps help minimize accidents and promote a safer work environment for everyone.

A New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help Employees and Employers

Determining liability in work-related vehicle accidents can be complex, especially when both employees and employers have questions about coverage, responsibility, and next steps.

At The Law Office of Albert J. Talone in Moorestown, NJ, we help:

  • Employees secure the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve
  • Employers understand their responsibilities and navigate compliance

We proudly serve injured workers and businesses throughout New Jersey — including Cherry Hill, Camden, Mount Laurel, Burlington County, and surrounding communities.

If you were involved in a work-related car accident or need guidance on employer liability, contact our office today. We’re here to help you protect your rights and move forward with confidence.