Austin Company Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by Kevin Henrichson on August 24, 2026

When a company vehicle strikes your car in Austin, the wreck does not look like a typical two-car accident, even if it feels like one at the scene. Behind that collision is a corporate entity, a fleet insurer, and a legal team whose job is to protect the company’s money, not yours. Understanding who is responsible, and how Texas law handles employer liability, can make the difference between a fair recovery and walking away with far less than you are owed.

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, our Austin company vehicle accident lawyers have been holding negligent parties accountable since 1959. As true personal injury trial lawyers with Board Certified attorneys in personal injury trial law, we bring leverage to the negotiating table that most firms cannot match. When companies and their insurers know we are prepared to go to trial, the case moves differently.

Can a Company Be Liable for an Accident Caused by Its Driver in Austin?

In most cases, yes. Texas recognizes the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for their employees’ negligent actions when those actions occur within the scope of employment. If a driver was making deliveries, running a company errand, or traveling between job sites when the crash occurred, the employer may be liable for your injuries and losses. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code makes clear that this liability can extend to the company itself, not just the individual driver.

There is also a separate theory of liability called negligent entrustment. If a company gave a vehicle to a driver it knew, or should have known, was unsafe behind the wheel, the company may be directly liable for that decision. This applies when employers fail to check driving records, ignore prior incidents, or retain drivers who have a pattern of dangerous behavior. Both theories can apply in the same case, and identifying all available grounds for recovery is a core part of how our attorneys approach each claim.

What Does “Scope of Employment” Mean in Texas?

Texas courts evaluate whether the driver was performing a job-related task when the crash happened. A driver transporting goods, traveling to a client meeting, or picking up materials for a job site is almost always considered within scope. Personal detours, off-the-clock use, or purely personal errands generally fall outside it, though the analysis is more nuanced than it may appear. Our attorneys investigate employment records, dispatch logs, and vehicle use policies to establish the full picture.

Who Else May Be Liable for Your Company Vehicle Crash?

Liability in a company vehicle case rarely stops with the employer. Depending on the facts, other parties may share responsibility for what happened to you. Our legal team launches a thorough investigation into the accident to identify every source of accountability, which may include the following:

• The at-fault driver: Personal liability can apply alongside employer liability, particularly when conduct is especially reckless.
• A vehicle manufacturer: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a tire failure, contributed to the crash, a product liability claim may be available against the manufacturer.
• A third-party maintenance contractor: Companies that outsource vehicle servicing may share liability if improper maintenance contributed to the collision.
• A government entity: If dangerous road conditions played a role, a separate claim against a governmental body may apply, though strict notice deadlines can be much shorter than the standard statute of limitations.

Identifying all liable parties matters because it affects the total compensation available to you. One defendant may have limited insurance coverage, while another carries significantly more. Our attorneys evaluate every angle before any claim is filed.

Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover

Texas allows injured victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses after a company vehicle accident. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and future care needs if your injuries are long-term. Non-economic damages cover physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be pursued.

Large companies often carry substantial commercial insurance policies, which means the potential recovery is real but so is the resistance from their insurers. Our attorneys have recovered over $100 million for clients across Texas. That track record, combined with the credibility of trial-tested lawyers, puts meaningful pressure on defendants and their carriers.

Statute of Limitations for Austin Company Vehicle Accident Claims

Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, most personal injury claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the date the injury occurred. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. Missing that deadline typically bars your claim entirely, regardless of how clear the liability is or how serious the injuries are.

Certain exceptions exist. Claims against government entities may require written notice within six months or sooner, depending on the municipality. The discovery rule may shift the starting point in rare cases where an injury was not immediately apparent. Because these nuances can determine whether a case is even viable, speaking with an attorney as early as possible after a company vehicle accident is important. Waiting does not benefit you, and evidence that could support your claim becomes harder to preserve with time. For more on how Texas deadlines work, visit our statute of limitations page.

Why Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP for Your Austin Company Vehicle Accident Case

Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP is Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, founded in 1959. We are not a volume practice, and you will not see us on television. Our clients come to us by reputation, by referral, and because they need attorneys who are prepared to take a case all the way to trial if that is what it takes to recover fair compensation. Robert Alden and Kevin Henrichson are both Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than two percent of Texas attorneys hold. We have been recognized in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and as one of the Best Law Firms in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Our case results speak to what that commitment looks like in practice.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a company vehicle accident in Austin, our team is ready to take on the legal work while you focus on recovery. We handle cases on contingency, meaning there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To get started, complete our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.