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Frisco Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer
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Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer In Frisco, TX
Commercial or company vehicles include cars, vans, trucks, and buses that are owned and operated by a company for the use of its employees or agents. These vehicles are primarily utilized to transport work equipment, haul goods, or carry passengers, and they also serve as a means of employee transportation. However, when employees exhibit irresponsible, dangerous, and negligent driving behavior, it puts lives at risk.
AT JML Injury Law, our dedicated company vehicle accident lawyer in Frisco, TX is committed to holding accountable those responsible for their negligence and aiding our clients in their recovery from injuries. With our expertise and ample resources, we ensure that your claim is handled assertively and effectively, from the initial intake to the final resolution. Whether the liability for the accident lies with the driver, the employing company, or both, our team will identify all negligent parties and pursue all available avenues for financial compensation. Contact our today at (214) 764-3600 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
What are Company Vehicles?
A company vehicle can encompass various types, such as vans, cars, cement trucks, moving trucks, utility service vehicles, or even 18-wheelers. These vehicles are owned by the company and operated by its employees. When it comes to accidents involving a company vehicle, there is a silver lining – typically, a substantial insurance policy is in place to safeguard the business’s assets. This is in stark contrast to most individuals who do not possess such extensive coverage.
For instance, in Texas, the minimum requirement for liability insurance is $30,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $60,000 per accident, as stipulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. However, considering that a single night in the Intensive Care Unit costs $20,000 or more, it becomes evident how rapidly this coverage can deplete. Conversely, the insurance policy of a company, regardless of its size, is likely to be significantly more extensive.
Types Of Company Vehicles That May Be Involved
The term “commercial or company vehicle” encompasses a wide range of vehicle types, including but not limited to:
Semi-Trucks, 18-Wheelers, Cargo Tankers, & Other Tractor-Trailer Trucks
Across the country, large trucks play a crucial role in transporting a wide range of goods. However, accidents involving these vehicles can result in severe injuries due to their substantial size and weight. Semi-trucks are predominantly utilized for commercial purposes, whether they are owned by a trucking company as part of a fleet or by independent owner-operators. In the context of accident claims, tractor-trailers are generally classified as commercial vehicles.
Dump Trucks, Cement Mixers, & Other Construction-Related Vehicles
Due to their size, weight, and difficult handling, construction vehicles are particularly susceptible to accidents. The majority of these incidents take place on urban streets and roads. Given their usage, construction vehicles undeniably fall within the category of commercial vehicles.
Agricultural Trucks
Commercial trucks with open beds are commonly employed to transport agricultural goods from farms to various destinations for distribution and sale to the public. Due to their utilization for business purposes, these trucks are categorized as commercial or company vehicles.
Garbage Trucks
The ownership of a garbage truck, whether by a private company or a government agency, can impact the process of pursuing a personal injury claim against the truck’s owner. When filing a claim against a government agency, there are specific notification and filing requirements that need to be followed. If you have been injured in an accident involving a garbage truck, it is important to promptly consult with a Frisco company vehicle accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal proceedings.
Food Trucks/Ice Cream Trucks
When a van or truck is used to sell food or drinks to the public, it serves a business purpose. Therefore, food trucks and similar vehicles are considered company vehicles for insurance purposes.
Delivery Vans
These vehicles, which are specifically designed for the purpose of transporting packages, are extensively used as a crucial component of a commercial operation. Therefore, based on the definition and nature of their usage, they can be accurately categorized as company vehicles.
Taxis & Limousines
In general, any car that is designed to transport passengers is considered a commercial vehicle. This category encompasses various types of vehicles, including taxis, limousines, and other similar modes of transportation that provide passenger services for a fee. These vehicles are typically regulated by local transportation authorities and must meet specific safety and licensing requirements to ensure the well-being and comfort of the passengers.
Rideshare Vehicles
Vehicles used by rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are part of a commercial venture as they transport passengers. Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for drivers and passengers in case of accidents. However, it’s important to note that if the driver is not actively picking up or transporting a passenger, the driver’s personal insurance may come into play for coverage in such incidents.
Passengers, Buses, & Vans
Commercial bus companies must hire licensed commercial drivers, implement reasonable safety measures for passengers, and maintain higher liability insurance compared to individual automobile owners. In the event of an accident caused by a commercial bus driver, the bus company employing the driver may be held liable for injuries resulting from the driver’s negligence.
Utility Vehicles
Employees from both public and private utility companies heavily depend on large trucks as an indispensable tool for carrying out their work efficiently. These utility trucks play a crucial role in various tasks, such as maintenance, repairs, and installations, ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services. As a result of their vital role and specialized functionality, these utility trucks are widely recognized and classified as commercial vehicles.
Moving Trucks & Vans
Similar to semi-trucks, moving trucks and vans are utilized for transporting goods from one location to another. Consequently, a moving truck or van is classified as a commercial vehicle for insurance purposes.
Determining Liability After A Company Vehicle Accident In Texas
After a serious traffic accident involving a company vehicle, one of the immediate concerns is determining the liability for any damages and injuries. The key factor in these cases is proving negligence, where the person operating the company vehicle failed to act responsibly, resulting in the collision and subsequent harm.
Once negligence is established, it becomes crucial to identify who is accountable for the collision. Typically, the employer bears responsibility for accidents involving their employees who are traveling or working on their behalf. In such cases, the company’s insurance coverage ensures that the employer is not personally liable for the damages suffered by the injured victims.
However, accidents involving company vehicles differ from other traffic accidents when the employer rightfully refuses to protect the employee from a lawsuit. In such situations, the employee who caused the collision while driving a company vehicle may be held liable for the damages.
It is important to understand the implications and nuances surrounding accidents involving company vehicles, as they involve complex legal considerations and potential liability for both employers and employees, such as:
- Engages in criminal activity, such as operating the vehicle recklessly while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Utilizes the vehicle for personal or non-business-related purposes
- Functions as an independent contractor, rather than an employee
In Texas, collisions involving company vehicles require a thorough legal assessment to ensure that we can seek the maximum damages for each unique case. At JML Injury Law, our experienced company vehicle accident attorney in Frisco, TX possesses the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to diligently pursue favorable outcomes for your case. Contact us now to determine liability for your Texas company vehicle accident, so that we may commence the pursuit of justice on your behalf.
Is the Company Liable When an Employee Causes a Collision?
If you were involved in an accident with a driver operating a company vehicle while on duty, you have a strong likelihood of being able to seek compensation from the company itself, rather than solely from the individual driver. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the company may present various arguments in an attempt to evade liability. They may contend that:
- The driver was out getting lunch, and not on the clock; or
- The driver was running some other errand not related to his or her job duties.
Contact Our Frisco Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer Now
Company vehicle accidents in Texas can be legally complex, especially when it comes to determining liability. That is why you need the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced company vehicle accident attorney in Frisco, TX who understands all of the unique intricacies associated with these types of cases. At JML Injury Law, we are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive representation and personalized legal guidance. Contact our office now at (214) 764-3600 for a free consultation and to begin your personal injury claim.