Guide to Traffic Accidents with Company Vehicles

What is a Traffic Accident with a Company Vehicle?

A traffic accident with a company vehicle is an accident that occurs when you are driving a vehicle owned by your company — whether during formal working hours or when using it for work-related purposes. It is one of the most common accidents in the Israeli labor market and includes damage to both your body and property.

The most important distinction: An accident involving an employer's vehicle is not automatically considered a work accident in the eyes of national insurance, even if it occurred during work hours. This means you must prove the connection between the accident and your work to be entitled to all your rights.

Types of Traffic Accidents with Company Vehicles

• Accident while commuting to or from work — Not always considered a work accident unless the commute involved a specific business task.
• Accident during formal working hours — When you are driving the company vehicle as part of your job duties (refueling, goods distribution, store visits, etc.), this is typically a full work accident.
• Accident during shared travel with coworkers — If the driver or other passenger is a company employee, reporting to national insurance must be done in a special manner.
• Accident while traveling to a work event or training — Considered a full work accident, as long as it occurred en route or at the event location.

Why It Is Important to Act Quickly

Following an accident with a company vehicle, you must notify national insurance as soon as possible — preferably within 7 days. Any delay may affect your entitlement to benefits and allowances. Additionally, witness statements and errors in the initial report may complicate your claim later.

Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. guides you through every step — from initial notification to obtaining full compensation. We have specialized in representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases since 2008 and have handled hundreds of company vehicle accident cases.

Your Rights as a Victim of an Accident with a Company Vehicle

If you were injured in an accident with a company vehicle, you have many important rights. They depend on the type of damage you sustained, its severity, and the percentage of fault that will be attributed to you (if any).

Rights Under National Insurance

National insurance provides victims of work accidents with benefits and allowances, provided the accident is recognized as a work accident. These include:

• Temporary disability benefit — During recovery, if you are unable to work. The benefit is typically 75% of your average salary.
• Permanent disability benefit — If you remain with a permanent disability. The benefit varies depending on the percentage of disability determined by a medical committee.
• Medical expenses and treatments — National insurance covers all necessary medical treatments resulting from the accident.
• Death benefit — If the accident was fatal, the victim's family has rights to benefits and additional financial components.

Rights in Civil Claims (Tort Damages)

In addition to national insurance benefits, you are entitled to file a civil claim against the employer, its insurance, or the third party responsible for the accident. The claim includes:

• Compensation for personal injury — Including pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
• Compensation for property damage — Repair or replacement of the vehicle, if you own it or are liable for its damage.
• Compensation for out-of-pocket medical expenses — Treatments not covered by national insurance or health insurance.
• Compensation for future loss of income — If the accident affected your future earning capacity.
• Compensation for additional damages — Such as expenses for treatment abroad, cosmetic surgeries, or psychological treatment.

What If You Bear Part of the Fault?

If it is established that you bore some responsibility for causing the accident (for example, negligent driving on your part), this does not eliminate your right to compensation but rather reduces it. This is called "comparative fault." In court proceedings, the judge will determine your percentage of fault and adjust the compensation amount accordingly.

Scenario Comparison — Company Vehicle Accident vs. Private Vehicle Accident

It is important to understand the differences between an accident involving a company vehicle and an accident involving a private vehicle, as they affect the type of compensation and the procedure.

Case Example: Traffic Accident Involving Company Vehicle

David works as a delivery driver for a logistics company. On a hot summer day, he is driving the company's truck to distribute packages. On his way back to the warehouse, another car enters his lane at an intersection, causing a head-on collision. David is injured with broken ribs, bruises, and driving anxiety. The vehicle is completely destroyed.

In this scenario:

• The accident is recognized as a work-related accident (David was on duty and performing a work-related task).
• David is entitled to temporary disability benefits from the National Insurance Institute (75% of his salary) during his recovery period.
• The company's vehicle insurance will cover the repair or replacement of the truck.
• David can file a civil claim for compensation for pain and suffering, additional medical expenses, and future loss of earning capacity.
• If the other party is proven to be fully at fault, David may receive full compensation; if there is comparative fault, the compensation will be reduced accordingly.

Types of Compensation in Company Vehicle Accidents

Compensation in a company vehicle accident consists of several components, each of which is important for a complete understanding of your rights.

1. Compensation for Bodily Injury (Pain and Suffering)

This is typically the largest component. The compensation depends on the severity of the injury, duration of treatment, types of treatments you underwent, and the impact on your quality of life. In serious accidents involving fractures, surgeries, or nerve damage, compensation can reach substantial amounts.

2. Compensation for Loss of Earning Capacity

If the accident resulted in permanent disability, you are entitled to compensation for future loss of earning capacity. This is calculated according to the percentage of disability, your age, type of work, and life expectancy. For example, if a 20% disability is proven and you are 35 years old, compensation for future loss of earning capacity can be substantial.

3. Compensation for Medical Expenses

You are entitled to compensation for all medical expenses not covered by National Insurance or your health insurance. This includes private surgeries, physiotherapy, psychological treatment, mobility rehabilitation, and medications.

4. Compensation for Property Damage

If the vehicle is in your ownership (for example, a company vehicle transferred to personal use), you are entitled to compensation for vehicle damage. If the vehicle is owned by the company, the company may file its own claim for compensation for the damage.

5. Compensation for Additional Expenses

This includes expenses such as flights for treatment abroad, additional insurance, wages of a personal caregiver (if required), and more.

How is the Compensation Amount Calculated?

The compensation amount is calculated based on the court's discretion, taking into account legal tables and previous case law. Typically, our office assesses the compensation amount according to the severity of the damages, the percentage of disability (if applicable), age, profession, and the special circumstances of the case.

How Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. Assists in Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Company Vehicles

Our office specializes in representing personal injury claimants since 2008. We understand the complexities of motor vehicle accidents involving company vehicles and know how to achieve full compensation for our clients.

Services We Provide

• Free Initial Legal Consultation — In the initial meeting, we listen to your case, evaluate your rights, and offer a legal strategy.
• Guidance on Reporting to the National Insurance Institute — We assist in filing the report accurately and with optimal timing.
• Collection of Medical Documentation and Evidence — We assist in obtaining medical reports, test results, and all necessary documentation.
• Representation Before the Medical Committee — We accompany you at the committee hearing, present additional evidence, and defend your rights if the lower committee underrates your claim.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies — We negotiate on your behalf to obtain the highest possible amount.
• Court Representation — If no settlement is reached, we represent you in court proceedings, presenting your case in the strongest possible manner.

Why Choose Us

Experience and Expertise: We specialize in representing personal injury claimants since 2008. We have handled hundreds of motor vehicle accident cases, workplace accidents, and public negligence cases. We know the law, the case law, and the tactics of insurance companies.

Personal and Dedicated Approach: Every client is important to us. We dedicate time to understanding your case, communicate with you regularly, and keep you updated on progress.

Free Initial Consultation: The initial consultation is free of charge, so you can understand your rights without obligation.

Contingency Fee Arrangement: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay only if you receive compensation.

Located in Ramat Gan and Petah Tikva: Two offices in the center of the country, close to you. Meetings can be scheduled at your convenience.