What To Do If You’re Injured By A Company-Owned Vehicle In Arkansas

When someone is hurt in a crash involving a company or commercial vehicle, the process of pursuing compensation quickly becomes incredibly complex. In this article, we’ll explore…

• How an attorney can help you determine liability when you’re hit by a company vehicle.
• Whether it matters if the driver was an independent contractor instead of an employee.
• Who to contact immediately after an accident involving a company vehicle.

How Is Liability Handled When Someone Is Injured By A Company Vehicle?

If an employee is driving a company vehicle and causes an accident, the company can be held liable. The employee is considered a representative of the business, and the employer is legally responsible for their actions while they’re performing work duties. That is to say, if someone driving for their employer injures another person or damages property, the company can be held accountable for that negligence.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against The Driver’s Employer As Well As The Driver In An Accident Case?

You can—and often should—file a lawsuit against both the driver and the employer. Our job is to make sure all possible sources of compensation are brought to the table for our injured clients. That means naming both the at-fault driver and their employer in the lawsuit to ensure every avenue for recovery is pursued.

What If The Driver Who Caused The Accident Was An Independent Contractor And Not An Employee?

If the driver of the vehicle was an independent contractor, we still investigate thoroughly to see what insurance coverage may be available.

For instance, with rideshare drivers like Uber or Lyft, coverage depends on what stage of the trip they are in: waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting someone. Each stage triggers different levels of insurance coverage.

In other cases, such as trucking accidents, even if a driver is technically labeled an independent contractor, the trucking company may still exercise enough supervision and control to be held responsible under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

We always climb the chain, looking for every potential insurance policy from personal to commercial or supplemental. Sometimes drivers purchase additional coverage without realizing it doesn’t actually protect them for commercial use, so it’s our job to identify every valid policy and pursue every available source of compensation. If necessary, we’ll file suit to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Bradley Mullins, partner at Mullins & Blake Attorneys, has extensive experience representing Arkansans injured in crashes involving company-owned and commercial vehicles.

From trucking accidents to corporate fleet claims, he’s helped clients recover full compensation by uncovering hidden insurance policies, preserving critical evidence, and holding employers accountable under Arkansas liability law. Bradley Mullins’ understanding of medical billing transparency and complex corporate coverage issues gives his clients a powerful edge when facing large companies and their insurers.

If you’ve been injured by a company vehicle, contact Mullins & Blake Attorneys today to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Is It A Good Idea To Contact The Company Directly After Being Injured By One Of Their Vehicles?

No, you should not contact the company directly. Your attorney should handle all communication. Companies and their representatives often appear friendly and cooperative at first, but their main goal is to minimize liability. They may twist what you say or use your statements against you later. Having your lawyer communicate on your behalf protects your claim and prevents you from accidentally saying something that could weaken your case.

Why Should I Hire An Attorney If I Am Hurt In A Crash Involving A Commercial Or Company-Owned Vehicle?

There are several reasons.

First, an attorney knows what evidence needs to be preserved and how to request it properly. If the company fails to preserve crucial evidence, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, or video footage, that failure can be used against them in court.

Second, when multiple parties or companies are involved, there are often multiple insurance policies in play. A skilled personal injury lawyer will notify every insurer and make sure all responsible parties are included in negotiations.

In short, hiring an experienced attorney ensures that nothing slips through the cracks and that all available compensation sources are pursued.

How Does Pursuing Compensation Differ When The Defendant Is A Corporation Rather Than An Individual?

When a corporation is involved, the process is usually more complicated.

Companies tend to lawyer up quickly. Some move fast to resolve the issue and settle professionally; others dig in and make every step of the case a battle. We’ve had cases resolved within months because the company’s attorney worked cooperatively, but we’ve also had cases drag on for years because the defense fought every detail.

Ultimately, it depends on the company’s size, financial stability, and willingness to cooperate. Some corporations are eager to settle and move on, while others take a hardline approach.

That’s why early involvement from your own attorney is so important. We can identify who the decision-makers are, ensure the right people with authority (and checkbooks) are at the negotiation table, and verify that the company has adequate insurance or assets to cover the claim.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Arkansas medical billing transparency, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (479) 227-3060 today.