Pursuing a Claim Against a Business for a Car Accident Caused by Employees

October 04, 2016

Georgia Auto Accident Attorneys Discuss Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim Against a Business Owner for a Car Accident Caused by a Negligent Worker

If you are involved in a collision with a delivery driver or anyone else engaged in employment related functions, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation from both the motorist and the driver's employer. Respondeat superior is the legal principle that authorizes holding an employer liable for the negligent acts of employees. The Latin term translates into "let the employer answer." This legal doctrine refers to a form of vicarious liability imposed on employers for the negligent acts of employees. This legal principle may facilitate naming a corporation or other business entity as a defendant in a case involving a negligent car accident caused by the company's employee. In this blog article, our auto collision attorneys discuss the liability of employers for injuries caused by the driving of their careless or inattentive employees.

This doctrine may be relevant in a broad range of situations, such as when you are involved in a collision with a teenage pizza delivery person for a large pizza chain. The driver might not have sufficient insurance or assets to satisfy a judgment if you suffer severe injuries, such as compound fractures of bones, damage to your spinal cord, head injuries, internal organ injury, loss of a limb, or other forms of permanently debilitating injury. A business typically will have more financial resources and insurance, so it will more likely to meet the financial obligations of a personal injury claim.

Georgia car accidents caused by distracted employees are becoming a more common occurrence because of the growing use of Android phones and iPhones. Businesses that permit or encourage their personnel to use a cellular phone while driving may be liable for car accidents caused by their employee under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Companies often fight these claims by claiming that the employee engaged in a personal errand rather than a work-related function. However, car accident injury victims should be aware that an employer can be liable for collisions caused by the negligence of an employee even outside of business hours. Such cases are complicated because they require scrutiny of the tasks the employee was performing, as well as how the tasks benefited the employer.

Because a growing number of businesses recognize the risk of liability for car accidents involving employees, a survey of Fortune 500 companies revealed that one in five businesses indicated that they had enacted complete bans on all mobile phone use by drivers.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Traffic Collision Claim.

If you or a close family member has been injured or you have lost a loved one due to the actions of a negligent driver, you may have a right to seek financial compensation. Our experienced auto accident attorneys strive to obtain the fullest compensation under the law for personal injury and wrongful death victims. Montlick and Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
Toll Free: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
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Category: Auto Accidents