california traffic insurance lawyer
caused accident in company car - do I need a lawyer?
<p>While driving a rental car provided by my company, I hit another car. 
The rental car (the one I was driving) was insured by my company.</p>

<p>I just learned that the driver of the car I hit has started a lawsuit with the company and myself as defendants.
<em>Should I get a lawyer in this case?</em> </p>

<p>In case it is relevant, the other car had minor damage (bumper, visible dent), 
and the driver and a passenger (a minor)  were able to drive away and did not go to the hospital that morning. The car I was driving was declared totaled by the rental company. 
It was a new car, designed to crumple on impact, whereas the car I hit was older and stronger build.
I expect that they are suing on the basis of long term neck pain or something, but do not know yet.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

<p><strong>You should get a lawyer</strong></p>

<p>Your alleged negligence cause the alleged harm. If the plaintiff can demonstrate that you were acting in the course of your employment your employer is <em>also</em> liable but that does not make you <em>not</em> liable in California (it does in other jurisdictions). It is even possible for your employer to sue you if they lose the case.</p>

<p>That said, there are probably several insurance policies that will intervene here: the car rental insurance and your employer's public liability insurance. These would normally have "subrogation" clause that mean the insurance will pay and not sue between co-insureds like you and your employer. However, your lawyer will need to look into that for you.</p>

<p>The insurance company is supposed to hire a lawyer to defend you as part of the package of benefits that come with the car insurance. You should need a lawyer only if there are disputes of any kind between you and the insurance company. </p>

<p>You should insist that the insurance company provide you with a lawyer to defend you in the case ASAP.</p>
