If you sustained injuries in an accident involving a company vehicle, you’re likely wondering how much compensation you could receive. Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer, as settlement amounts in Florida, hit by a company vehicle, depend on many factors. In addition to your injuries, other factors, such as the company’s insurance policy and who caused the accident, can affect your potential compensation.
The key to recovering maximum compensation in these cases is working with an experienced attorney. The Florida car accident lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers have helped many drivers like you, and our record speaks for itself. Want to know more about what to expect? Here’s the information you need about how these settlements work and how much compensation you could recover.
What Makes Crashes Involving Company Cars Different from Other Accidents?
Crashes involving company vehicles often have unique factors that can impact your claim and the compensation you can recover. Here are some of the key differences:
Employer Liability:
In most accidents, you deal directly with the driver and their insurance company. However, when the other driver operates a company vehicle, their employer could be partly liable for the accident. This is because the law says companies are responsible for their employees’ actions while they’re on the job. Therefore, you may need to file a claim against the company to recover full compensation.
Insurance Coverage:
Company vehicles are usually covered by commercial insurance policies, which often have higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance policies. This means that, in theory, there’s more compensation available to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. However, higher policy limits can make a case more complicated, as insurers may fight hard to keep their payments low and are more likely to contest your claim.
Multiple Parties Involved:
In a standard car accident, you usually only deal with the other driver and their insurance company. Company vehicle accidents may involve multiple parties, including the driver, the company they work for, and the company’s insurance provider. Each party may have different interests, which can complicate negotiations and settlements.
Legal Complexity:
Because these cases involve commercial entities, there are more complicated legal issues to address. For example, there might be questions about whether the driver was on duty when the crash happened. Whether the company properly maintained the vehicle is another crucial issue if vehicle malfunction contributed to the crash. These challenges can make it harder to prove liability and secure fair compensation.
I Was Hit by a Company Vehicle. What Do I Do Now?
You might feel overwhelmed after a collision with a company vehicle, but taking the right steps afterward is crucial. Here’s what you should do next:
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:
Your health comes first after a crash, so see a doctor immediately if you haven’t already. Ensure you follow all your doctor’s recommendations, attend follow-up appointments, and complete any prescribed treatments. This not only helps your recovery but also creates a clear medical record of your injuries. You’ll need this evidence for your claim.
Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and receipts for any expenses related to the accident. Also, write down your recollection of the accident while it’s still fresh.
Report the Accident:
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Give them the basic facts, but avoid saying anything they might use against you later. For example, don’t say “I’m sorry” or speculate on who caused the accident. You should also report the accident to the driver’s employer, as the company may need to file an internal report.
Stay Off Social Media
Avoid discussing the collision with anyone other than a lawyer, particularly on social media. An insurance company might see a seemingly innocent post and use it against you later. Don’t assume insurance companies can’t find your posts just because your profiles are set to private.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer:
Crashes involving company vehicles are complicated, so it’s wise to consult a lawyer with experience handling these cases. An attorney can explain your legal rights, deal with the insurers, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Potential Compensation for Accidents Involving Company Vehicles
Your compensation after a crash involving a company car depends on your injuries and other factors. For instance, the company’s and driver’s insurance coverage can impact your compensation. Similarly, if you played a role in the crash, that factor could reduce your compensation. A skilled and dedicated attorney can help you seek maximum compensation, including money for:
- Past and future medical bills related to the collision
- Lost wages or other income while you heal
- Reduced future earning potential due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Deadline to File a Lawsuit After an Accident Involving a Company Vehicle
In Florida, you usually have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. However, we urge you to speak to an attorney immediately. Critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate within days or weeks of a crash, and eyewitnesses’ memories can quickly fade. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the higher your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
How Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident involving a company vehicle can be overwhelming. Our Tampa car accident lawyers can take the legal burden off your shoulders. We’ll handle all the complex legal work, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to filing required paperwork. If necessary, our law firm will also represent you in court and handle all the complicated trial procedures. With us managing your case, you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery.
Let us handle the legal details while you concentrate on healing. Call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (619) 233-5020 for a free consultation, or contact us online.
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