What is my liability if I was driving the company van and scratched it?
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What is my liability if I was driving the company van and scratched it?
The restaurant has a van that we use to shop for food for the restaurant. After dropping off the food I went to park it but a pole scraped the side of the door and caused deep scratches. The costs are about $1500 and there was no insurance. I told them I didn’t mind paying for some of it but it looks like they are expecting me to pay all of it. Again had used the van strictly for a company errand. What I’m looking for is a legal document that I can print out to show that I’m not liable. I still don’t mind paying for some of it, but I want to remove the thought of expectation from their brains. They handed me a document stating that money would be taken out of my paychecks each pay period until costs were paid in full, amount was not specified so I did not sign.
Asked on March 20, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Alaska
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Your employer, the restaurant, is liable for the accident for the following reasons: (1) The restaurant is the registered owner of the vehicle and (2) An employer is liable for the negligence of an employee which occurs during the course and scope of employment.
The restaurant cannot withhold your pay to pay for the damage to its van. If that occurs, it would be advisable to speak with an amployment law attorney regarding filing a lawsuit against your employer.
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