Driving on Company Time Law

Sending one of your employees across town to pick up those company brochures from the print shop might not be as great an idea as you might think. If that employee is involved in an auto accident, an injured party could come after your business for compensation.

There are several potential legal hot spots that businesses can easily overlook because such concerns may seem trivial. For example, think about cell phones. It is common practice for some businesses to equip their employees with a company cell phone so that clients or other employees can reach them when they are away from the office. It seems to make good business sense. The employee has freedom to leave the office without fear of missed calls. And overall efficiency is increased, which is good news to any employer. But sometimes, after giving a cell phone to an employee, drive time becomes just another place of business, and now with the added distraction of the cell phone. Should an accident occur, anyone seeking compensation could have a potential case against the business. Even if an employee isn’t using the phone, and even if the accidents occurs outside normal business hours, but while the phone is in their possession, the company could potentially be held liable.

Drivers – Most companies painstakingly investigate and insure their on-the-job drivers, such as delivery people and truck drivers. But they usually overlook the small errands for which they sometimes send non-insured employees, such as office workers. While such functions like sending someone out for coffee may seem trivial and the best way to get the job done, employers must consider the possible legal dangers. If a company delivery driver causes an accident, the company could be charged for damages, but the insurance company will probably cover most of it. When other employees are sent out on errands that require driving, any legal entanglements could prove messy and costly.

Here are some ideas to help make sure businesses don’t get into legal trouble when employees are sent outside the building (1) make sure you have employee policies regarding employees not using the cell phone for business while driving. Before implementing any such policies, employers should seek out legal counsel to be sure that the policies don’t cross any legal employment boundaries. (2) Provide cell phones only for essential personnel. (3) Before giving an employee an assignment that requires driving, make sure they have a valid driver’s license. (4) Keep employees in their hired roles. If they were hired for office work, keep them there. Let the company drivers do the driving. (5) Check with your insurance company to see what your company is covered for and when in situations involving the actions of your employees. (6) Keep things in perspective. Call and ask your business lawyer if you have a nagging thought in your mind.

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Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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