A company truck slams into your car in Dallas, leaving you with injuries and a damaged vehicle. Who covers your medical bills and lost wages when the driver works for a business? As a North Texas accident injury lawyer, I help victims like you seek justice daily. Texas law holds companies accountable.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
When a company vehicle hits you, figuring out liability is the first step. Texas law, under the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.401, holds drivers accountable for careless acts like running stop signs.
If the driver was working, the company may be liable under respondeat superior, meaning employers answer for employees’ actions on the job. For instance, a delivery driver causing a crash during a delivery makes the employer responsible.
What If It was the Driver’s Fault?
They might have been texting or speeding, common issues with company drivers under tight schedules. Police reports, witness accounts, or traffic camera footage can prove what really happened. In a Dallas case, I secured a significant settlement for a client by proving a company driver’s fault with GPS data, despite the employer’s denials. As a North Texas accident injury lawyer, I work closely with each client, gathering critical evidence like maintenance logs or witness accounts to build a strong case.
When Companies Aren’t Liable
Companies don’t always pay. If the driver was off-duty or an independent contractor, liability may fall solely on the driver. Texas courts look at employment records or contracts to decide. In a Dallas case, I faced a company denying responsibility, claiming their driver was a contractor.
We used work schedules to prove an employee relationship, holding the company accountable. A North Texas accident injury lawyer can sort out these distinctions to target the right party.
Company vehicles often carry commercial auto insurance with high limits, sometimes $1 million or more. But insurers may argue the driver wasn’t authorized or the crash wasn’t work-related.
The Texas Insurance Code, Section 1952.101, lets your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage apply if the company’s policy fails.
Dealing with Insurers
Negotiating with commercial insurers is hard. They offer low settlements, hoping you’ll take them. You might face the driver’s insurer, the company’s, or both, each dodging blame. The Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 542, demands fair claim handling, but delays happen. Filing a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance can help. Documented losses, like wage records, push for better settlements.
Act quickly to get a police report, see a doctor, and collect witness details. Photograph the crash scene and the company vehicle, noting any logos. Save any communication with the company or driver. Collecting evidence is tough when companies control driver logs or vehicle data. These steps create a solid case for negotiations or lawsuits, helping you meet deadlines.
As a North Texas accident injury lawyer, I have spent years helping North Texas victims fight for what they’re owed. My experience with company vehicle cases gives me deep knowledge of how businesses and insurers dodge liability, from claiming drivers are contractors to disputing injuries.
A Free Consultation can Help
If you’re facing a company vehicle accident claim, I’m here to stand by you. Contact me at (214) 321-8225 to get in touch with an expert North Texas accident injury lawyer.