Hit By a Business Vehicle

The key difference lies in the liability and insurance structure. Business vehicle accidents involve commercial insurance policies, which usually carry higher policy limits- but they also come with corporate legal teams and aggressive defense strategies. Additionally, you may be able to hold not just the driver accountable, but also the company itself under legal doctrines such as respondeat superior or negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

This makes the claim process significantly more complex. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we conduct a thorough investigation to uncover every potential liable party- driver, employer, vehicle maintenance provider, or even third-party contractors. We also understand the nuances of federal and state regulations that govern commercial vehicle operations. These cases demand skill, experience, and a deep understanding of how commercial insurance carriers operate- and that’s what we bring to the table.

Yes, in most cases, you can sue the company that owns the vehicle as well as the driver. If the driver was acting within the course and scope of their employment, the employer can be held vicariously liable under the legal principle known as respondeat superior. This means the company is responsible for the actions of its employee.

Additionally, you may have grounds to sue the business directly if it acted negligently- for example, if it failed to properly screen, train, or supervise the driver, or if it knowingly allowed an unqualified employee to operate a company vehicle. At our firm, we dig deep to uncover whether the business violated safety standards, ignored red flags, or failed to maintain their vehicles properly. This multi-pronged approach helps us secure the highest possible compensation for our clients.

Victims of business vehicle accidents may be entitled to a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we leave no stone unturned. We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to calculate your total losses accurately- especially when your injuries may result in long-term disability or permanent lifestyle changes. We’ve helped clients recover six- and seven-figure settlements by meticulously documenting every aspect of their claim. Our priority is to make sure your future is secure- and that the negligent party is held fully accountable.

This is a crucial detail, as it can affect liability. If the driver was using the business vehicle for unauthorized personal purposes at the time of the accident, the employer may argue that the driver was acting outside the scope of employment, which could limit the company’s liability. However, these cases are not always black and white.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we analyze company policies, work schedules, GPS data, and witness testimony to determine whether the driver was, in fact, performing work-related duties. Even if the driver was off the clock, the employer may still share responsibility under certain circumstances- especially if the company failed to enforce policies, allowed broad vehicle use, or neglected supervision. We’ll sort through these details and develop a strong legal strategy to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims- including those involving business vehicles- is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors can affect this deadline. For example, if the accident involved a government-owned vehicle, you may have only six months to provide formal notice of your claim.

Waiting too long to act can jeopardize your case. Critical evidence- such as surveillance footage, electronic logs, and witness accounts- can be lost over time. That’s why it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we act swiftly to preserve evidence, initiate investigations, and ensure all legal deadlines are met. You focus on healing- we’ll handle the clock and the courtroom.

Delivery trucks and rideshare vehicles (like Uber, Lyft, Amazon vans, or FedEx trucks) often fall under complex insurance structures that include multiple layers of coverage. For example, rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was logged in to the app or actively transporting a passenger. Delivery companies may use independent contractors, complicating the liability chain.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve handled numerous cases involving these scenarios. We know how to trace insurance coverage and determine whether the driver was an employee, contractor, or agent- and who bears financial responsibility. These companies also have massive legal departments, so having experienced trial attorneys like us on your side can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim.

Negligence is the legal foundation of most personal injury claims. In a commercial vehicle accident, negligence can apply to the driver, the employer, or even third parties (such as maintenance contractors or parts manufacturers). Examples include speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, failure to maintain the vehicle, and overloading cargo.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we investigate all aspects of the accident to determine where negligence occurred. Our team consults accident reconstruction experts, reviews dash cam and surveillance footage, analyzes driver logs, and interviews witnesses. We build a case that leaves no room for doubt- because proving negligence is key to unlocking full compensation.

Absolutely not. You should never speak with the business’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line- not your well-being. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Even a simple apology can be twisted into an admission of fault.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. We know their tactics, and we know how to beat them. Our job is to protect your rights, preserve your claim’s value, and fight for every dollar you’re entitled to. If the insurance company calls, tell them to contact your attorney- and give them our number: 717-394-3004.

With over $112 million recovered for injured clients and hundreds of five-star reviews, Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. has earned a reputation as the go-to team for commercial vehicle accident cases in Lancaster County and beyond. We live here, we work here, and we care deeply about protecting our neighbors’ rights after serious injuries.

Our attorneys don’t just dabble in personal injury law- it’s our sole focus. We know how to investigate complex commercial policies, uncover employer negligence, and outmaneuver corporate legal teams. When you hire us, you get trial-tested lawyers, a dedicated team of paralegals, accident investigators, and medical experts- committed to winning your case and maximizing your compensation.

We treat every client like family- because that’s how we’d want to be treated. There are no upfront costs, and if we don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s that simple. Contact us today at 717-394-3004 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.