What to Know if You’ve Been Hit by a Company Vehicle in Texas

At Charles J. Argento, our Houston personal injury lawyer knows many Texas companies use cars, trucks, and vans to transport people and goods throughout the state. These vehicles travel thousands of miles yearly, often with busy employees behind the wheel who are distracted, speeding, or impaired.

When you are hit by a negligent driver who is driving a company car – whether it is marked with a company name and logo or looks much like another passenger vehicle – liability can shift to multiple parties.

In a typical two-car car accident, each car is owned by a private person. Dealing with one person and their insurance company is already challenging. However, things can get even more complicated when a company owns the car and employs the driver that hit you.

Here, we discuss how these accident scenarios become more complex and how our car accident attorney in Houston can help.

What is Considered a Company Vehicle in Texas?

A company car is a vehicle that a corporation or other business entity uses during its business.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Construction vehicles.
• Delivery vans and trucks.
• Employee-owned vehicles used for business.
• Multi-passenger vehicles, including buses or shuttles.
• Taxis.
• Tow trucks.
• Unmarked passenger vehicles used as part of a company fleet.
• Utility trucks.
• Vehicles rented by a company for business trips or other work-related activities.
• Vehicles used by sales representatives for business-related travel.

If I’ve Been Hit by a Company Car in Texas, Who’s Responsible for My Injuries?

If you have been hit by a company car in Texas, liability for your injuries will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Employee’s Actions Within Scope of Employment

If the company car driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the accident, the employer may be held responsible for the employee’s actions. This is based on the legal principle of vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for the negligent actions of their employees within the scope of employment.

• Employer’s Negligence

The employer could be directly liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, did not provide adequate training to the employee, or knowingly allowed an unfit driver to operate the car, the employer may be held responsible.

• Driver’s Personal Liability Insurance

If the driver of the company car was not within the scope of employment at the time of the accident, they may be personally liable for the damages. In such cases, we would typically file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance.

• Company Car Insurance

Companies that own or provide company cars typically carry commercial auto insurance. This insurance may cover the damages resulting from accidents involving company vehicles. If the accident occurred within the scope of employment, this insurance is likely to be the primary source of compensation.

What Should I Do After an Accident with a Company Car in Texas?

The steps you should take after being hit by a company car are the same as those after any other accident. You should call the police, take pictures at the scene, and get contact information from the liable driver and any witnesses.

After being hit by a company car with a fleet vehicle and getting the other driver’s name and contact information, try to obtain as much information as possible about the company. If you can, take pictures that show a visible company logo or other identifiable marks that lead back to their corporate office.

Contact Our Company Car Accident and Injury Attorneys in Texas

If you have been injured in an accident with a driver who was behind the wheel of a company vehicle, contact Charles J. Argento for help today. Our experienced car accident lawyer in Houston will work to build a strong case on your behalf and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and losses. Schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or contacting us online.