Company Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Arizona

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Auto accidents between individuals driving “ordinary” vehicles for their personal use can be disorienting and stressful. This remains true in accidents involving company vehicles, as well. However, the first thing victims of company vehicle accidents should understand from the outset is that these cases are not ordinary. If you were involved in a company vehicle accident in Arizona, you probably have a lot of questions about these cases.

They are often more factually and legally complex. Further, the stakes are generally higher than those in most other auto accidents and are therefore negotiated and litigated more intensely. Accordingly, it is highly recommended that victims have their case evaluated by an experienced company vehicle lawyer.

Our Arizona injury attorneys can evaluate your facts, navigate the law, and ultimately help you strategize a path toward maximum compensation. If you were in an accident and , or even while in one, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free consultation with an experienced company vehicle accident attorney.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A company vehicle accident in Arizona?

Though the facts and law involved in company vehicle accident cases can be complex, the steps victims should take after being involved in such an accident are largely the same as when you they have been involved in ordinary, “normal” car or motor vehicle accidents.

Report the Accident

Always report the accident to the police. Even if the accident does not seem extremely serious and the police are not called to the scene, you should still file a police report. It will serve as the first source of evidence in your case.

Exchange Information, Identify Witnesses, and Collect Evidence

The more evidence available to argue your case, the better. Often, the best source of evidence in auto accidents is the scene of the accident itself; roadways are changeable environments and memory is fallible—neither are conducive to preservation of evidence. Therefore, when possible, collect notes and footage—photographs, video, and audio—of the scene; relevant facts that would need evidence to prove include:

• Weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy fog; even a screenshot of your weather app at the time and place of the accident could be useful.
• Road conditions, such as wet or icy roads.
• Driver impairment, such as footage of open alcoholic beverage containers, slurred speech, or stumbling, etc.
• Worker status; for example, footage of a driver wearing a work uniform could be used to show the worker was in the “course and scope” of their employment.

Get Medical Attention

Of course, your wellbeing is the foremost consideration in all cases. Therefore, evaluate your injuries and that of your passengers immediately after the accident. Seek immediate medical attention where necessary.

Do not underestimate the impact that comparatively less serious injuries might have on the value of your case. Also, bear in mind that many injuries stemming from the accident may only become apparent after you have left the scene. Whiplash commonly manifests in this way.

The bottom line is that all injuries should be evaluated, treated, and documented by medical professionals. Your medical treatment and records will be the primary source of evidence proving the extent of your injuries, pain, and suffering. Therefore, anything that is left out or not backed by documentation will be more difficult to prove.

Consult with a Lawyer

If you have been involved in a company vehicle accident, do not hesitate to consult with an attorney. In particular, be very careful what you reveal to insurance companies and potential litigation adversaries before speaking with a company vehicle accident lawyer.

Accident victims often turn to insurance companies first. However, insurance companies are not neutral third parties. They are likely to make settlement offers based on the legal minimum allowed by your policy and not based on the realities of your accident.

Having one of our Arizona injury attorneys evaluate your case first can ensure that you know your full rights and are being treated fairly. Remember, anything you say to an insurance company can be used against you in litigation. Therefore, never sign forms or waivers provided by an insurance company and never admit fault before consulting with an attorney.

Read More: How to Negotiate with Insurance Companies

How are accidents with company vehicles different?

Remember, each auto accident case is unique and requires case-by-case evaluation. This is especially true in company vehicle accidents. Among the more prominent considerations in this case type are the sizes of the vehicles involved and the higher number of potential at-fault parties.

Heavier Vehicles, Greater Damage

“Company vehicles” is a diverse category that includes 18-wheelers, oil-field service trucks, work vans, delivery trucks, buses, rideshare vehicles, and any vehicle driven in the “course and scope” of work.

A key factor in company vehicle cases is often the difference in size of the vehicles involved. The larger the differential in size between the vehicles, the larger the catastrophic potential of the accident. For example, the sheer size of an 18-wheeler insulates it from damage when crashing into a normal-sized passenger vehicle; conversely, passengers of the smaller vehicle are much more likely to suffer severe injuries and death.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), among the 273,602,100 total registered vehicles in the U.S. in 2018, 10,327,899 were single-unit trucks, 2,906,011 were tractor-trailers (18-wheelers), and 992,152 were buses. Further, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017 there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks, a 9-percent increase from 2016. The NHTSA further reported that 72% of people killed in large-truck crashes in 2017 were occupants of other vehicles; interestingly, 78% of the fatal crashes involving large trucks in that same year occurred during workweeks (Mondays–Fridays).

Read more: FMSCA, 2020 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics

More Potential At-fault Parties

Further distinguishing company vehicle accidents from other auto accidents are the potential sources of liability, which are typically more diverse than in ordinary auto accidents. This factor is largely based on the nature of the involved company’s business.  For example, in a case involving shipping of goods, liability might flow from the shipper, the trucking company, the loader, brokers, and even truck manufacturers.

Relatedly, it is also worth emphasizing that in company vehicle cases, liability often begins much earlier than the date of the accident. For example, in the shipping hypothetical, liability may be based on the trucker’s negligence in the moments leading up to the accident; however, any negligence or recklessness by other potential defendants would likely have taken place hours, days, or months before. If bringing a products liability case against a manufacturer, months may even turn into years.