Lambright v. National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh

What Happened
This case involved a workplace vehicle accident where driver Michael George Eberly was operating a company car while intoxicated. When the accident occurred, there was a dispute about whether Eberly was covered under his employer GTE Government Systems Corporation's insurance policy with National Union Fire Insurance Company.

What the Court Decided
The Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled against Eberly, finding that he was not covered by the company's insurance policy. The court determined that because Eberly was driving while intoxicated, he violated the specific restrictions written into the insurance policy, which automatically disqualified him from receiving coverage for the accident.

Why This Matters for Workers
This ruling is important because it shows that workers can lose insurance protection when they break company rules or policy restrictions, even while using company equipment. If your employer provides vehicle insurance for work-related driving, that coverage may not protect you if you violate the policy terms through misconduct like driving under the influence. Workers should carefully review their company's insurance policies and understand what behaviors could void their coverage, as they may be personally liable for damages in such situations.