Atlanta Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Types of Company Vehicle Accidents

There are several types of company vehicle accidents you might encounter. Rear-end collisions occur when the company vehicle hits another vehicle from behind or gets hit from the back. This can result in serious injuries, especially if you are sitting in the rear seat. Side-impact accidents happen when another vehicle hits the side of the company vehicle, often at intersections. These crashes can cause significant damage and injuries, especially to those seated on the side of the impact.

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents. These occur when the company vehicle collides with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Rollovers happen when the company vehicle flips over onto its side or roof, which can be caused by sharp turns or hitting an obstacle. These accidents can lead to severe injuries because of the vehicle’s weight and force.

Lastly, multi-vehicle pile-ups involve several vehicles crashing into each other, often on highways or in heavy traffic, leading to extensive damage and potential injuries.

Causes of Company Vehicle Crashes

One common cause is distracted driving by another driver. This includes texting, eating, or any activity that takes their focus off the road. Another cause is drunk driving, where another driver operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely.

Reckless driving by others, such as speeding or aggressive maneuvers, can also lead to accidents involving your company vehicle. Poor weather conditions like rain, fog, or ice can cause other drivers to lose control and crash into your vehicle. Mechanical failures in other vehicles, such as brake or tire issues, can lead to accidents that aren’t your fault.

Lastly, road hazards such as potholes, debris, or construction zones can cause accidents when other drivers fail to navigate these obstacles properly, resulting in a collision with your company vehicle. In all these cases, you, as the victim, bear no responsibility for the accident.

Accident Hotspots

In Atlanta, company vehicle accidents are likely to occur in high-traffic areas and busy intersections. Interstate highways, such as I-75, I-85, and I-285, are common spots for accidents because of high speeds and heavy traffic. You may also encounter accidents on major roads like Peachtree Street and Piedmont Road, where traffic congestion is frequent.

Downtown Atlanta, with its dense traffic and numerous intersections, is another hotspot for company vehicle accidents. Areas around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also see a high number of accidents because of the constant flow of vehicles.

Liability In a Company Vehicle Crash Case

The driver of the company car or truck can be responsible if they acted carelessly or broke traffic laws. The employer might also be liable for their employees’ actions during work. For example, if the driver was making deliveries or traveling for a business purpose, the employer could be held responsible for the accident.

Additionally, if the company did not properly maintain the vehicle or ignored safety regulations, they could also be liable. Georgia law requires companies to keep their vehicles in safe working condition. If a mechanical failure caused the accident and the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, they could be held responsible.

Independent contractors might be another factor. If the driver of the company vehicle is an independent contractor rather than an employee, the rules can differ. In some cases, the company may not be liable for the contractor’s actions, depending on the level of control the company had over the contractor’s work.

Taking Legal Action

After a company vehicle accident, you have two main options: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. First, you should notify your insurance company and the company’s insurance provider about the accident. Gathering evidence is crucial. Take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from witnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report. This evidence will support your claim.

When dealing with insurance companies, remember that they may try to minimize their payout. Be ready to negotiate. It can help to have an attorney to handle discussions with the insurance company. If the settlement offered is too low or if the insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit involves legal steps and can be more complex. You’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault and that you suffered damages because of the accident. This process includes filing a complaint, serving the defendant, and possibly going to court. It’s essential to file within the statute of limitations, which is typically two years for personal injury cases in Georgia.

Choosing between an insurance claim and a lawsuit depends on the specifics of your case. If the insurance settlement is fair, it might be quicker and less stressful than going to court. However, if you need full compensation for your injuries and the insurance company isn’t cooperating, a lawsuit might be your best option.

Damages Recoverable in Company Car Crash Cases

Company vehicle accidents can deeply affect your life. You might face serious injuries, leading to physical pain and long-term health issues. These injuries can also prevent you from working, causing financial stress because of lost wages and mounting medical bills. Additionally, the emotional trauma from the accident can disrupt your daily life and relationships. The damage to your personal vehicle, if involved, adds another layer of difficulty.

If you’re involved in a company vehicle accident, you can recover several types of damages. Medical expenses cover hospital bills, treatments, and rehabilitation. Lost wages compensate for the income you miss because of injuries. Pain and suffering address the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident. Property damage covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle. In some cases, you might also recover punitive damages if the company’s negligence was extreme. These damages aim to restore your life as much as possible and hold the responsible parties accountable.

In tragic cases where a company vehicle accident results in the death of a loved one, you may file a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks compensation for the losses that the family suffers due to the loss of a loved one. Damages in wrongful death claims can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of future income that the deceased would have provided. Additionally, families may recover damages for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing.

In Georgia, specific laws can affect liability in these accidents. Georgia follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that if you are partly at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule applies to all accident cases, including those involving company vehicles.

What to Do Immediately After Experiencing a Company Vehicle Accident

Right after a company vehicle accident, your safety should come first. Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed. Move to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the scene. Contact the police to report the accident and obtain a copy of their report later. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, and insurance details. Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, damages, and any visible injuries. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Next, inform your insurance company about the accident promptly to start the claims process. Make sure to speak with a lawyer for guidance and direction.

Atlanta Company Vehicle Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a company vehicle accident, the skilled lawyers at Butler Kahn, PC are here to help. We understand the pain and uncertainty you’re facing. Contact Butler Kahn, PC by calling (678) 940-1444 or contacting us online for a consultation with a company vehicle accident attorney. Our team is ready to fight for your rights, aiming to secure the most possible compensation and justice for you. In your consultation, you’ll learn about your legal options and the best steps to take next.