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 attorneys 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.
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 to Do After a Company Vehicle Accident
The steps you take after a crash involving a company vehicle can affect your ability to recover compensation. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor, and report the accident to law enforcement to create an official record. Avoid giving recorded statements to the employer’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney, as commercial insurers often move quickly to protect their interests. Knowing the steps to take after a commercial vehicle accident helps protect your rights from the start.
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 LLP After a Company Vehicle Accident in Indiana
Wagner Reese LLP 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.
