How Much Is the Settlement if I Was Hit by a Company Vehicle?

It is common for vehicle accident victims to have a lot of questions. One of the most common questions is, How much is the settlement if I was hit by a company vehicle? It is a valid question, and the answer varies depending on several factors that we will look at in this article. 

One of the most important things you can do to ensure you have the best chance of receiving a fair settlement after getting hit by a company vehicle, is to seek counsel from a personal injury attorney.

The experienced team at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. have a proven track record of success. We are committed to helping you get what you need to recover and nothing less. Contact us today.

Why Does it Matter that You Were Hit by a Company Vehicle?

Personal injury cases can be complicated regardless of how simple the situation may seem. The process can become even more difficult when an auto accident involves a company vehicle. 

In a situation where the driver was in a company vehicle, the company now becomes a party to the claim. If the negligent driver was on duty when the collisions occurred, the company might share in the liability for the accident. 

The good news is that a company usually has deep pockets. So if a company shares liability, it can sometimes lead to bigger accident settlement awards. Not always, but often.

The bad news is that it may also lead to drawn-out negotiations as the company’s team of corporate lawyers does everything they can to stall and deflect fault. But that shouldn’t worry you. As your advocates, we can stand toe-to-toe with these corporate lawyers, and we won’t back down until they make a reasonable offer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan and Dianne were extremely helpful throughout the whole process, as a 22year old who had never dealt with anything in the legal realm, they were super patient and knowledgeable.  I would definitely recommend them.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Chase Leslie 
 
2022-12-12
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I had a pleasant experience with Dan Gerash, Dianne, and the rest of the team at Gerash Steiner Blanton. Dan was attentive, responsive, friendly, clearly fought for me, and was very honest with realistic expectations but also was strong in his conviction to defend me. They walked me through each step of the way and was always there to speak with in case I had a question or a concern. I would recommend him and team, do not hesitate to call them if you need their services!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Derrick Powers 
 
2022-10-11
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
One of the best experiences I could have had during one of the toughest times of my life. In 2019 I had received a DUI and without the help of Dan Gerash, i don't believe i would have gotten through it. From start to finish he was professional, friendly, and the communication was top notch. Any questions i had Dan and his assistant Dianne were there with an answer. If they didn't have the answer right away they always knew who to contact and got back to me in a timely manner. Even after my sentencing, Dan was there to assist me with DMV/license questions. I found myself asking Dan and Dianne more questions then I would ask my Probation Officer. They just were so easy to communicate with. Two years after my sentencing when i had my final court appearance to come off probation, Dan was right there to assist me. He goes the extra mile for his clients. I high recommend him for any legal troubles you may have.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kurt Pedersen 
 
2022-08-25
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
My attorney was Dan Gerash and he was awesome to work with. His team explained everything to me long the way and I felt at ease during the process. My case was out of state and he fought for me in such a way that I could continue life, from home, uninterrupted through till the end of the case. Highly recommended
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Atria Warren 
 
2022-08-18
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan was amazing  He’s understanding and caring would definitely recommend.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Cindy Montez 
 
2022-08-14
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Excellent team, knowledgeable and dedicated. I definitely would recommend them. Dan is open, honest and was readily available.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Vance Kelso 
 
2022-08-05
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan worked with the DA and my life is back on track again. What was just a stupid mistake could've really been devastating but he worked hard for me and I'm grateful for the new opportunity I have.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Brian LaRose 
 
2022-04-06
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan is an excellent attorney. He helped us navigate a complex legal system with compassion and integrity.  I highly recommend him and his team.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Deanna Hunt 
 
2022-04-05
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Dan and Dianne were great. My case was in Summit County, Colorado and I live in Houston, TX. They took care of everything and kept me up to date constantly. I could reach them at anytime and both were always available to take my phone calls. I’m glad they were able to take care of everything without me having to fly out there.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 M. J. 
 
2021-05-25
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Amazing representation from an outstanding law firm. Dan took the time to get to know me on a personal level and was able to help me obtain a fair deal in settling my case. Dianne is his administration representative and keeps everything in proper order and works with you every step of the process. Made a bad situation as bearable as it could be. Very thankful I found Gerash Steiner.

Craig Neal
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Craig Neal 
 
2021-05-18
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

If I was Hit by a Company Vehicle, Can the Employer be Liable?

Employers are often in a better financial position to cover damages caused by a company vehicle than the employee who was driving the car. Most companies have deeper pockets than most individuals, so it may benefit you that the employer may hold some liability. This is why it is important to evaluate whether or not the employer can be held liable if you were hit by a company vehicle.

Vicarious Liability

Colorado law allows victims to file a lawsuit against the driver’s employer if they were injured while the employee was acting within the scope of their employment. This concept is called “vicarious liability.”

A company might be liable for a car accident settlement if the driver was doing something for work when it occurred. 

There are some exceptions to vicarious liability. If the accident occurred outside of the scope of work, the employer might not be liable.

For example, if the employee was using the company vehicle to take his dog to the groomer on his day off, the employer would not be liable. Intentional misconduct on the part of the driver also bars the employer from liability. 

Negligent Supervision

A cause of action for negligent supervision may also be available. You must demonstrate that the employer failed to use due diligence when hiring the employee or that the employee lacked an appropriate level of supervision. 

An example of negligent supervision would be hiring a delivery driver who has a history of DUI accidents. Another example could be hiring a truck driver who does not have the proper license to drive a commercial vehicle. 

How Much Is the Settlement if I Was Hit by a Company Vehicle?

No two settlements are the same. There are a lot of factors that go into determining how much you are owed for your damages. There is no accurate number we can give you that would represent an average settlement for a company vehicle accident.

This is because each accident is different. They all have varying levels of injuries, fault, and other factors that greatly influence the amount of an award.

Here are some factors that have to be taken into consideration:

• Who was responsible for the accident;
• Whether or not you were partially negligent;
• The extent of property damage;
• If drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident;
• The amount of insurance coverage available;
• If a third party is involved and liable;
• The severity of your injuries;
• Current and future medical expenses;
• Proof of injuries that were caused by the accident;
• Loss of past and future wages; and 
• Pain and suffering

It is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible and keep a detailed record of all expenses. This will help you prove the value of your claim. 

Is Colorado an At-Fault State?

Yes, Colorado is an at-fault state. This means that the party who caused the accident is responsible for paying any damages that result from the accident. 

Generally, your first step is to file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance. Insurance companies almost never offer maximum settlement amounts without a fight. This is especially true when a company vehicle is involved.

The company may already have legal representation trying to make sure that you only receive the bare minimum. Make sure you get what you deserve. Do not sign any car accident settlement without a full evaluation of how much your case is worth.  

Should You Hire an Attorney?

Choosing to negotiate with insurance companies on your own is very risky. Insurance adjusters are seasoned professionals, and their main job is to save their employer money. To do this, they use many tactics, and they can be very convincing.

If you’re unfamiliar with these tactics, you run a great risk of getting much less than what you actually deserve for your injuries. Without a lawyer, you won’t know what to look out for, and you won’t know what your case is actually worth.

For instance, would you know how to calculate the amount you are owed for pain and suffering?
Would you know how to calculate future medical expenses or lost earnings?
And would you know how to prove that the employer is also liable?

Your car accident settlement can get complex, especially if it involves a commercial vehicle. After a commercial vehicle accident, the process of negotiating a fair settlement can be complex, and it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The experienced team at Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C., is not afraid of standing up to insurance companies or their corporate attorneys. Contact us to schedule your case evaluation.