Car Accidents, Personal Injury
What happens when you get in an accident in a company vehicle is a question we hear often at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz. These collisions can feel more complicated than standard car accidents, especially when questions of fault, coverage, and legal responsibility arise.
Whether you’re driving a company car for deliveries, meetings, or worksite tasks in Dayton, Ohio, knowing what to expect can help you protect your rights and understand your options. Call a Dayton car accident attorney for legal advice.
You may encounter different responsibilities than in a personal crash. If the accident occurred while you were working, your employer’s insurance will usually handle it. But the responsibility might be yours if you were using the vehicle for non-work reasons.
In Dayton, company vehicle accidents often involve several parties, including employers, other drivers, and multiple insurers, making these situations more complex.
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Liability often hinges on the driver’s status during the collision. If you performed job-related duties, your employer’s liability insurance is likely the primary coverage. However, things can get murky when it involves contractors, personal detours, or employer negligence in maintaining the vehicle.
According to Ohio’s Automobile Insurance Guide, liability coverage generally “pays for injury or death to others when the driver of your car is at fault in an accident.” It also covers damage to other people’s property, like vehicles or buildings, through property damage liability coverage.
Minimum required coverages in Ohio include:
Employers typically exceed these minimums for fleet vehicles. Still, determining whose name is on the policy and what actions were being performed during the accident is complex.
Understanding which policy applies is critical. In most cases, the employer’s commercial auto policy will handle claims for property damage and personal injuries. However, not all policies are equal. Some cover only employees, while others include independent contractors. Some follow the vehicle, others follow the driver.
Additional coverage types might include:
If you’re unsure what your employer’s insurance includes, requesting a copy or summary of the policy is essential. Our team in Dayton often finds discrepancies in coverage that impact liability and compensation significantly.
In Ohio, fault doesn’t automatically mean you’re liable for all damages. Thanks to comparative negligence laws, you may still recover damages if your share of the fault is 50% or less.
Ohio’s Comparative Negligence law states, “you can recover your damages, minus the percentage caused by your negligence.” For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. However, if you’re more than 50% responsible, you likely won’t be able to collect from the other party.
This is crucial in company vehicle cases, where the driver and employer may share some blame. Was the vehicle properly maintained? Were you adequately trained? These details could reduce or increase liability, so documentation is essential.
Navigating these cases without guidance can be risky, especially when multiple policies and parties are involved. At our firm, we work to uncover all contributing factors, whether it’s another driver’s negligence or employer oversight.
We represent injured employees and third parties alike. If you’re driving a company vehicle for delivery, transport, or fieldwork and end up in a crash, we’ll assess every angle:
We also engage accident reconstruction professionals and subpoena relevant black box or GPS data from company vehicles. In Dayton, where state highways intersect major business corridors, evidence disappears quickly. Legal action must be taken promptly.
Don’t wait to seek legal support if you or someone you know has been injured in a company vehicle accident. Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz can help protect your rights, ensure proper liability is assigned, and pursue fair compensation.
Call us now at 1.937.222.2222 to speak with a Dayton car accident attorney who understands the law, your employer’s obligations, and how to fight for your interests. Schedule a free consultation.
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Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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