How Much Is a Hit by Company Vehicle Settlement Worth?

Company vehicle accidents are different from car accidents in a few important ways, but mainly these: they often result in more severe injuries, and come with significantly higher stakes. Whether it's a delivery truck making its rounds, a service van rushing to an appointment, or a corporate fleet vehicle during rush hour, if you were hit by a company vehicle, you’ll likely find yourself squaring off against not just insurance companies but also teams of corporate lawyers trying to protect the company’s bottom line. 

So, how much is a hit by company vehicle settlement typically worth? While the exact amount will be determined by the extent of your injuries, your ability to work, and the changes to your overall quality of life, we can tell you that company vehicle settlements are often worth a lot more than settlements from private citizens.

Company vehicle accidents also involve complex liability issues, multiple insurance policies, and steeper opposition than individual driver accidents. This complexity can work in your favor, but it can also create obstacles if your Houston car accident lawyer isn’t prepared.

Need an attorney who’s ready to go up against corporations and insurance companies to protect your family? Call Jose Calderon and Calderon Law Firm today at (346) 999-5673 for a free consultation. 

What happens if a company vehicle hits you?

Getting hit by a company vehicle is quite different from being involved in a normal car accident. For one thing, the legal and insurance implications are a world apart; the driver themselves may be personally liable, but more importantly, their employer likely bears some responsibility under respondeat superior, a legal doctrine which holds employers accountable for their employees' actions during work hours.

There are a few important factors that will influence how complicated your accident claim will be right off the bat:

1. Driver’s employment status: Was the driver an employee or an independent contractor?
2. Business purpose: Was the vehicle being used for company business at the time?
3. Vehicle ownership: Does the company own the vehicle, or is it employee-owned?
4. Insurance coverage: What policies apply and in what order?

Companies may attempt to distance themselves from liability by claiming the driver was on a personal errand or acting outside their job duties — major rideshare companies, for instance, only cover their drivers during active transportation of passengers, not in between rides. 

While what happens behind the scenes can be incredibly complicated, what happens for you is actually quite simple. 

If you’re hit by a company vehicle, you should do the following:

1. Get to safety if you can.
2. Receive medical attention, no matter how minor your injuries.
3. Document the scene and preserve evidence if possible.
4. Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company.
5. Call a commercial vehicle accident attorney who can protect your interests. 

The immediate aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident is a minefield of potential missteps. Make sure you have an attorney who can show you the way.

What is a reasonable settlement offer for a commercial accident?

A reasonable settlement offer for a commercial vehicle accident should fully compensate you for all damages resulting from the collision. Unlike accidents with individual drivers who may have minimal insurance coverage, company vehicle accidents often involve substantially higher policy limits, sometimes reaching into the millions of dollars.

As such, commercial vehicle settlements typically range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of injuries and circumstances. The difference between a $10,000 settlement and a $5 million settlement is massive — but depending on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries, either one could be considered a reasonable settlement.

Ultimately, we define a reasonable offer as an offer that addresses both immediate needs and long-term consequences of your injuries. It’s important to note that initial offers from insurance companies are often low-ball offers far below reasonable settlement values, as they hope to resolve claims quickly and inexpensively.

I was hit by a company vehicle. Does that mean my car accident claim is worth more?

The short answer: it might. Being hit by a company vehicle sometimes means your claim is worth significantly more than a typical car accident claim. A few reasons for this increased value are:

• Commercial entities typically carry much higher insurance coverage limits than individual drivers. While Texas requires only $30,000 in liability coverage for personal vehicles, commercial policies often start at $1 million and can reach $10 million or more.
• Companies are held to higher safety standards and may face additional liability for inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or unrealistic scheduling pressures that contribute to accidents.
• Courts often view company negligence more seriously than individual mistakes, particularly when systemic issues contribute to accidents.
• Company vehicles often have better maintenance records, GPS tracking, and employment records that can strengthen your case.

It’s important to note that these companies also have far more resources to put towards their defense, which includes teams of high-powered attorneys working to minimize their liability and protect their bottom line. This is one of the reasons why having an experienced attorney is absolutely essential in commercial vehicle cases, whether you were hit by a truck or are looking for a Houston Uber accident lawyer after a rideshare accident.

What is the average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident?

The average settlement for commercial vehicle accidents varies significantly based on injury severity, but these cases often settle for substantially more than standard car accidents between two individuals. 

While personal injury settlements with individual drivers often range in the tens of thousands, commercial vehicle settlements often reach into the millions.

This chart is not meant to be an actual reflection of what you can expect in your case; it is only meant to show that commercial vehicle accidents often result in more severe impacts and injuries, and that the more severe your injuries, the more you can expect from your settlement. 

It's important to note that every case is unique, and settlement values depend heavily on specific circumstances, the quality of legal representation, and the skill of negotiations with insurance companies and corporate defendants.

Wondering where your case might fall on this scale? Don’t guess, call Calderon Law Firm at (346) 999-5673 for a free case evaluation and find out what your claim could be worth.

What damages should my company vehicle settlement cover?

A comprehensive company vehicle settlement should address all losses and impacts resulting from your accident — including past and future, and economic and non-economic expenses. 

Medical expenses form the foundation of most settlements and should include:

• Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
• Surgery and specialist consultations
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Future medical care and ongoing treatment needs

Economic losses extend beyond medical bills to include:

• Lost wages from time off work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work
• Lost business opportunities and career advancement
• Costs for household services you can no longer perform
• Vehicle replacement or repair costs

Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts on your life:

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Loss of life enjoyment and recreational activities
• Impact on family relationships and intimacy
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Mental anguish from ongoing limitations

Punitive damages and wrongful death damages may also be on the table if the company’s conduct was particularly egregious or the accident resulted in the death of a loved one. 

Before your settlement damages are calculated, your attorney should assure you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. This is to make sure that all future medical costs are considered, and things like delayed chest pain after a car accident don’t turn into lifelong conditions that aren’t figured into your company vehicle settlement.

Who pays for an accident with a company car?

When a company vehicle causes an accident, multiple parties may be responsible for paying damages. The intricate web of insurance coverage and liability that follows a company vehicle can actually work in your favor if you have an attorney who can sort it out correctly. 

• The company's commercial auto insurance provides the first layer of coverage, typically offering much higher limits than personal auto policies, often reaching into the millions.
• Secondary and tertiary sources of coverage may include:
  • The driver's personal auto insurance if commercial coverage is insufficient
  • Umbrella policies providing additional liability protection
  • The company's general liability insurance in certain circumstances
  • Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as backup protection
• Asset liability may extend beyond insurance coverage if damages exceed policy limits, potentially making the company's business assets available to satisfy judgments in severe cases.

These many layers of coverage mean that even if one insurance company denies coverage or offers insufficient compensation, other sources may be available to help make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Dealing with several insurance companies after a crash can be overwhelming. Calderon Law Firm will untangle the mess so you can focus on healing — call (346) 999-5673 today.

Why a lawyer is essential in commercial car accident settlement cases

As we’ve outlined in a few different ways, commercial vehicle accidents are a lot more complicated than standard car accidents. The stakes are higher, the issues more complex, and the opposition more sophisticated — it’s not a level playing field for victims trying to get what they truly deserve. 

Some of the major reasons why your attorney can save your hit by a company vehicle claim include the following.

1. Insurance company tactics become more aggressive in commercial vehicle cases due to the higher potential payouts. Commercial insurers employ teams of experienced adjusters, investigators, and attorneys whose primary goal is minimizing claim payouts.
2. Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity, as commercial vehicles must comply with federal and state safety regulations. Violations of these regulations can strengthen your case significantly, but identifying and proving them requires specialized knowledge (namely of Texas trucking laws and regulations, FMCSA regulations, hours of service requirements, etc.).
3. Evidence preservation can be tricky in commercial vehicle cases, as companies may quickly repair or dispose of damaged vehicles and related evidence. An experienced attorney will immediately send preservation letters and take steps to secure the most important evidence in your case.
4. Settlement negotiation requires accurate valuation of damages, identification of all potential sources of compensation, and countering the insurance company's settlement tactics.
5. Preparedness for trial often leads to better settlement offers, as insurance companies and corporations know that experienced attorneys will take cases to trial if necessary.

In addition to assistance with the difficulties of your case, skilled accident attorneys take care of your case and allow you to focus on what matters most: your recovery. The time after an accident can be a long, difficult road, made even longer by having to go through it alone. 

Continue reading: How long do car accident settlements take?

Hit by a company vehicle? The commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Calderon Law Firm can help. 

While the road to recovery might be a long one, with the right attorney by your side, you can get a hit by a company vehicle settlement that reflects what you truly deserve and helps you and your family heal. At Calderon Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges that commercial vehicle accident cases present, both for your family and your case, and we’re here to help you get through to the other side.

Our commitment extends beyond just securing your settlement. We understand that the aftermath of a serious accident affects every aspect of your life, and we're dedicated to helping you rebuild and move forward. From connecting you with top medical providers to ensuring your settlement covers all current and future needs, we're here to support you through every step of the recovery process.

Get in touch with Calderon Law Firm today at (346) 999-5673 or contact us online for a free consultation, and let us start fighting for the justice and compensation your family needs to move forward.

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• Can You Sue an Insurance Company for Taking Too Long?
• When to Get a Lawyer for a Work Injury
• What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston