Legal Question in Traffic Law in Pennsylvania

Accident In Company Vehcile

Hello and thanks in advance for helping me out!

I'm a professional DJ and work for a multi-DJ entertainment company in which we use company vehicles in travel to and from events. I had a minor accident backing the company vehicle loaded with DJ equipment (which caused a blind spot) into a parked car. Total damage is estimated at a little over $2,000 dollars to both cars, there were no injuries.

Being the professional and company-dedicated employee I am I told the owner of the company I would have no problem paying teh insurance deductible. When I told the owner that he stated that he doesn't want to turn it in to insurance and he expects me to pay for the accident out of my pocket.

What are my rights here and how can I go about appoaching this subject without losing my job?

Thanks again!


Asked on 5/07/06, 5:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Accident In Company Vehcile

Rock, meet hard place.

I think it was very big of you to offer to pay the deductible. And it should have stopped there. Your boss in fact should have said thanks, but don't worry about it.

But you have one of those bosses. We all know the type.

He can't force you to pay for the damages as that is the reason he has insurance. He can't even force you to pay the deductible. This is all assuming that it was an accident and not an intentional act.

You may want to point out to him that he must report the accident to the insurance company whether he wants them to pay or not. To do otherwise would be a fraud as the insurer uses the fact of an accident, whether covered or not, in computing rates. Moreover, it is not up to him to choose to report the accident. You, as the operator of the vehicle are charged with reporting the accident. You can do so through the insured party or by yourself.

None of this will help you keep your job and your money. The last word is that the boss can't make you pay and there is nothing that keeps him from firing at any time or for any reason.

Regards,

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]

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Answered on 5/07/06, 8:16 pm


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