What Happens If You’re Injured by a Company Vehicle in Georgia?

What Happens If You’re Injured by a Company Vehicle in Georgia?

A company vehicle accident happens when someone driving for work-related purposes causes a crash. The vehicle might belong to a business, a government entity, or another group. Common examples of company vehicles include delivery vans, work trucks, and rideshare cars.

Company vehicle crashes can injure workers, bystanders, or people in other cars. If a driver causes a car accident while doing their job, their employer might be responsible for the harm. The rules that apply can change depending on who got hurt and whether the driver was working at the time.

When You’re Hurt at Work in a Company Vehicle Accident

If you get hurt in a crash involving a company vehicle while you’re on the job, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits cover medical bills and replace a portion of your income losses. You do not have to prove fault for the crash in a workers’ comp claim. If someone other than your boss caused the accident, you might also have a personal injury claim against them or their employer.

You can pursue both types of claims. However, if you secure both workers’ comp benefits and compensation from a third-party claim, your workers’ comp insurer might demand some of your injury settlement to recover what it paid you.

When You’re a Bystander or Driver Hurt by a Company Vehicle

If someone driving a company vehicle hits you while you are not working, you might have a personal injury claim against them or their employer. In your claim, you can demand compensation for your injuries, property damage, income losses, and pain. If the driver was working for the company that owned the vehicle and driving for work-related reasons, the company would likely be legally responsible under the principle of vicarious liability.

If the employer was also directly responsible in some way, you might be able to sue them for that, too. This type of direct liability could apply if, for example, the company hired an unsafe driver or failed to keep the vehicle in good shape.

Factors That Could Complicate Liability

Liability can get complicated in crashes involving company vehicles. If the driver was using the vehicle for personal errands, the company might not be responsible. The company that hired the driver could also avoid liability if the driver was working as an independent contractor. Claims involving government employees and publicly-owned vehicles, like mail trucks or city buses, follow different rules.

Determining who pays after these crashes can be tricky, so it’s best to bring your case to an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Company Vehicle Accident Case

If you were injured in a car accident involving a company vehicle in Georgia, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you explore your legal options. They can help you decide whether you should file a workers’ comp claim, a personal injury claim, or both. They can also deal with insurance companies on your behalf and build a strong case with compelling evidence. If the crash involved a government vehicle, your attorney will know how to protect your right to hold the relevant authority responsible.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Now

If a company vehicle accident injured you, contact Kaufman Injury Law for a free consultation with a trusted Georgia injury attorney. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options, and discuss how we can help you demand the recovery you deserve.