Being involved in an accident is already very confusing. If you happen to be involved in an accident with a company-owned or commercial vehicle, things can get even more complicated. This type of accident can involve any type of commercial vehicle, including trucks, vans, and tractor-trailers. So, who’s at fault? Who is responsible for the damages? What about insurance? Don’t worry! Scott & Wallace is here to easily guide you through this process.
I was in an Accident Involving a Company Vehicle
If you are involved in an accident involving a company vehicle, it is important to remain calm and make sure you and any others involved in the accident are not in need of immediate medical attention. If you are, call 911 and get emergency medical aid dispatched. Everything else can be figured out later. However, if you are able, while at the accident scene, it is important, as with any accident, to gather as much information as you can and take as many photos as you can. If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene itself and any damage to the vehicles involved. If the other driver is amenable and not confrontational, take a photo of the other driver’s license, tag, and insurance card. But please do not engage in confrontational conversation or make statements about the accident itself or any statements about fault or liability. Any evidence collected, like photos, can make things much easier when you are trying to file and pursue a claim.
What if I was Injured?
If you were injured in an accident involving a company vehicle, the driver’s employer may be held responsible for that driver’s negligence. It is important if you were injured or think you may have been injured to seek medical help right away. Having a record of seeing a health care provider is very important to document your symptoms and chief medical complaints following an accident.
Who is Liable?
Typically, the company that employs the driver who caused the accident is liable for that employee’s negligence. Because the employee is driving to further the business interests of the company, the liability falls on the employer in most cases. This is called vicarious liability. However, in almost all situations, claims can also be filed against the driver.
Steps to Take
This type of accident can be confusing. Additionally, as you can imagine, companies have vast resources and, likely, risk management departments that help them minimize their liability and the payment of damages even when their drivers are at fault. Therefore, you should take steps to even the playing field and call Scott & Wallace. Our trained attorneys and support staff are here to take this burden off of your shoulders so that you can focus on healing and getting back to your normal routine and daily activities.
