Getting hit by a driver operating a company vehicle is not the same as getting hit by someone in their personal car. The stakes are often higher, the insurance is more complex, and there may be multiple parties responsible for what happened. If a driver in a company vehicle caused your accident, the business that owns and operates it may share legal and financial responsibility for your injuries.
At Wagner Reese, our team includes an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer prepared to handle serious vehicle accidents across Indiana, including crashes involving commercial drivers, delivery vehicles, and company cars. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is nothing to pay unless we recover compensation for you.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident With a Company Vehicle
The steps you take immediately after a company vehicle crash protect your right to compensation. Here is what to do:
- Call 911 — report the accident and get a police report on record
- Seek medical attention — even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated right away
- Document the scene — photograph the vehicles, damage, license plates, and any company markings
- Collect information — get the driver’s name, employer name, insurance details, and any witnesses
- Do not give recorded statements to the employer’s insurer before speaking with an attorney
- Contact a car accident attorney — company vehicle cases involve multiple liable parties
Why Company Vehicle Accidents Are Different
When an employee causes a crash while driving for work, the employer can often be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of employees performing job duties. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, large truck and bus injury crashes totaled 124,000 in 2022 alone, a figure reflecting just how frequently commercial and company vehicle crashes occur on American roads.
The key question in these cases is whether the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. Common examples of company vehicle accidents where employers may be liable include delivery drivers making scheduled stops, sales representatives traveling between client meetings, and contractors driving company-owned vehicles between job sites.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Liability in a company vehicle accident can extend well beyond the driver who caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may bear responsibility. The following are among those most commonly named in these claims:
- The driver: An employee who was negligent, such as by driving distracted, speeding, or fatigued, may be individually liable for the harm caused
- The employer: If the driver was performing job duties at the time of the crash, the company may be vicariously liable under respondeat superior
- The vehicle owner: If a vehicle was leased or provided by a third party, that party may share responsibility depending on maintenance obligations and the terms of the agreement
- The company for negligent hiring: If an employer failed to screen a driver’s record or allowed someone with known safety issues behind the wheel, additional liability may apply
Identifying every responsible party from the beginning helps ensure no avenue for recovery is overlooked.
What Compensation May Cover
If you were injured in an accident caused by a company vehicle driver, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts on your ability to work. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers or delivery trucks, often result in more severe injuries due to the vehicles’ size and weight. Reviewing what compensation after a car accident may cover is an important first step in understanding your options.
Contact Wagner Reese After a Company Vehicle Accident in Indiana
Wagner Reese has more than 150 combined years of experience representing injury victims across Indiana. Our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers in America©, and our firm holds a Tier-One Best Law Firm ranking. We focus on serious cases and bring committed advocacy to every client we represent.
If you were injured in an accident involving a company vehicle, we are ready to evaluate your case at no cost. We handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is nothing to pay unless we win. To get started, contact our office today.
