Not every collision involves a personal vehicle. In many cases, the person responsible for causing harm is driving a company car—whether it’s a sales representative’s sedan, a technician’s service van, or a fleet vehicle used for deliveries. When this happens, questions of liability become more complex, and the path to recovering compensation often involves holding the employer, not just the individual driver, accountable.
If you’ve been hurt by someone operating a company-owned vehicle in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, here’s what you need to know about your legal options and the importance of timely action.
Why Businesses Are Often Liable
Georgia law recognizes the principle of respondeat superior, which holds employers legally responsible for their employees’ actions when those actions occur within the scope of employment. The employer can often be named in the legal claim if a delivery driver causes a highway collision while on the job, or if a corporate employee runs a red light while driving to a scheduled meeting.
That’s important because:
- Employers typically carry commercial insurance policies with higher limits.
- Businesses may be better positioned to pay a full and fair settlement or jury verdict.
- Corporate responsibility ensures that systemic issues, like poor training or bad policies, are addressed.
When the Employer May Deny Responsibility
Just because the driver was in a company car doesn’t mean the business will accept liability.
Companies and their insurers often try to argue that:
- The employee was on a personal errand and not performing work-related duties.
- The driver was an independent contractor, not a direct employee.
- The harm was caused by a third party, not their vehicle or driver.
- The employee acted outside the scope of their job, such as using the car for unauthorized purposes.
These arguments don’t always hold up, but if not challenged effectively, they can delay your claim or reduce your settlement.
Other Theories of Business Liability
Even when the company disputes direct responsibility, they may still be liable under other legal theories, including:
- Negligent hiring: Failing to vet a driver with a dangerous history.
- Negligent supervision: Allowing unsafe behavior behind the wheel without intervention.
- Negligent maintenance: Sending employees out in poorly maintained or defective vehicles.
If the company car contributed to the harm, due to bad brakes, tire issues, or a lack of safety features, this can also become part of the legal strategy.
Why You Need an Experienced Legal Team
When a business is involved, the stakes are higher. Companies have legal departments and insurance defense lawyers ready to deflect blame, downplay injuries, or push for lowball settlements. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we know how to build strong cases that hold corporate defendants accountable.
Our attorneys move quickly to secure evidence, review employment records, investigate vehicle conditions, and determine precisely how and why the crash occurred. We fight for full compensation—because you shouldn’t be left dealing with the consequences of someone else’s negligence.
If a driver in a company vehicle has hurt you, contact Ashby Thelen Lowry today. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and demand the recovery you deserve. Your consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you win.