When car accidents involve drivers in company vehicles, it can add a layer of complexity to an already stressful situation. Determining liability in these cases may depend on several factors, including whether the driver was on duty at the time of the crash.

Understanding how liability works in crashes with company vehicles can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Speak with an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer from Fieger Law to review your case and help you seek compensation from the appropriate party.

Legal Liability: When Are Companies Responsible for Car Crashes?

If you’re in a car accident with a driver in a company vehicle, you might wonder if the company is responsible for the damages. The answer often depends on two legal concepts: vicarious liability and respondeat superior.

Under the legal concept of vicarious liability, a company can be held responsible for its employees’ actions if they occur within the scope of their employment, even if the company itself wasn’t directly involved in the incident. A specific form of vicarious liability, known as respondeat superior, applies when an employee is performing tasks related to their job.

This means that if an employee is “on the clock” and carrying out work-related duties, the company could be liable for any accidents they cause.

However, the employee must be acting within the scope of their job for the company to be held responsible. If the employee was running personal errands or engaging in activities outside of their job duties, the company may not be liable for the accident, even if the employee was using a company vehicle.

The best way to determine whether the company is liable is by consulting a qualified car accident attorney. Our team at Fieger Law can assess the details of your case, determine if the company is responsible, and pursue compensation from the responsible party or parties.

On-the-Clock vs. Off-the-Clock: Determining Liability

Determining whether a company is liable often depends on whether the employee was on or off duty during the accident. The company could be held accountable if the driver was actively performing job-related duties.

Situations where the company may be liable include:

  • Driving to or from a job site/between different work locations
  • Transporting goods or clients for business purposes
  • Attending a work-related meeting or event
  • Running an errand requested by a supervisor, even outside of typical hours

At Fieger Law, we can review evidence such as time records, task assignments, and communications between the driver and employer to determine whether the driver was performing job-related duties on the clock. If so, we can help you seek a fair settlement from the company to cover your injuries.

Exceptions to Company Liability

While companies are often held responsible for employee accidents, exceptions may apply. The employer may not be liable for damages if the employee was engaged in personal activities unrelated to their job or was violating company policy at the time of the crash. Situations where the company may not be at fault include the driver:

  • Running personal errands during a lunch break
  • Using the company car after work hours for non-work-related activities
  • Driving a personal route not related to job duties
  • Transporting family or friends during personal time
  • Engaging in reckless behavior, such as road rage
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, violating company policy

If the driver acted independently or broke company rules, we can help you file a personal injury claim against their personal liability insurance to pursue compensation for your damages.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Collision With a Company Car

Accidents involving company vehicles can be complicated, often involving legal concepts like vicarious liability and respondeat superior to determine liability. Companies usually have legal teams and insurers who may pressure you into a quick, inadequate settlement or use unfair tactics to shift the blame. Without experienced legal support, handling these challenges can be difficult, and you may risk settling for less than you deserve or need.

At Fieger Law, our attorneys protect your rights by gathering critical evidence to support your case. We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators to analyze the scene and your injuries. We can also obtain company policy documents to examine whether the driver was on duty or breaking company rules.

By building a solid case, we can push back against the company’s legal tactics and help secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.

Protect Your Interests After a Crash: Get Strong Legal Support With Fieger Law

Hurt in a crash with a driver in a company vehicle? Reach out to Fieger Law for experienced legal guidance and representation. We can help gather evidence to support your case and maximize compensation.

Our team has won millions for Michigan car accident victims. Let us protect your rights and hold a negligent company driver accountable. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your options and determine who is responsible for your injuries.