Q: Can I pursue a business for compensation after being rear-ended by their vehicle?

A: Generally speaking, the at-fault party is going to be the driver and/or the business, depending on the specific circumstances. If the driver was working at the time, the business is likely responsible for their actions under what’s called vicarious liability. That business may have insurance that covers the accident, and often it is that insurance company that ends up paying the settlement or judgment.

That said, based on what you are describing, you would be well advised to hire a personal injury attorney. You mentioned injuries and significant damage, and this is not something you should try to handle on your own. An attorney can explain all your rights and your options for recovery, and make sure you are not being taken advantage of.

The short answer is that your claim is against the driver and/or the business, and the business's insurance may be the one that pays. You should not be dealing directly with the insurance company without an attorney.

A: Since the company’s vehicle was at fault according to the accident report, you have options for compensation. Typically, claims go through their insurance, but in some cases, direct legal action against the business is appropriate. Liability and coverage can be complex, so understanding your rights is crucial. You should hire an attorney here in Florida on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless you win.

A: Have you notified YOUR insurance company? Your insurance carrier will probably pursue the claim, in which case you might not need to hire an attorney to do it for you.

A: Whether you pursue a claim or file a lawsuit, the businesses insurance will protect them. If the claim exceeds the insurance coverage amount then the business will be directly liable. Schedule a free consultation to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

A: Thanks for reaching out — I know traffic tickets can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to avoid anything hitting your driving record. The good news is, there are a few ways you might be able to resolve this without it showing up as a conviction in Texas.

Here’s what you can look into:

1. Deferred Disposition (kind of like probation)

This is often the go-to option. Basically, you agree to a short probation period — usually a few months — and as long as you meet the conditions (like not getting another ticket during that time), the court will dismiss the case and it won’t go on your record.

You’ll still likely pay a fine, but no points, no record hit.

You’d need to check with the court to see if your specific charges are eligible — sometimes they make exceptions, especially if no one was hurt.

2. Defensive Driving Course

Sometimes, you can take a driving safety course and get the ticket dismissed that way. But — and this is important — this usually only works if there wasn’t an accident. Since your ticket includes a failure to remain and report, this option might not be on the table, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the court just in case.

3. Talk to the Court or a Local Attorney

Because your ticket involves both leaving the scene and a truck route violation, it’s worth having someone speak directly to the court. A traffic attorney may be able to negotiate the charges down or even get them dismissed altogether. Often, they can take care of it without you needing to appear in court.

4. Don’t Wait Too Long

Whatever you decide, make sure to act before the deadline on your ticket — otherwise, you risk extra fines or even a warrant.

Reagards,

-Emery Ledger

A: You can seek compensation directly from the business, but it’s typically more practical to go through their insurance, as businesses carry commercial auto insurance to handle such claims. The insurance process is structured to assess damages, negotiate settlements, and cover liabilities like your injuries and vehicle damage. If the insurer is unresponsive, denies your claim unfairly, or offers insufficient coverage, you could pursue the business directly, especially if they’re clearly at fault per the accident report. However, this may involve legal action, which can be complex and costly, so consulting a personal injury attorney is advisable to evaluate your options and ensure fair compensation.