Serious accidents involving commercial vehicles happen frequently. According to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 5,400 fatal crashes involving a large truck or bus in 2022 alone.[1]
If you’re the victim of a commercial car accident, you may be wondering how a settlement works after getting hit by a company-owned vehicle. We’ll share what you can expect throughout the process and explain how you may be able to receive compensation sooner than you think. That way, you can recover from the incident quickly and get back to living your life.
Key Takeaways
- If the person driving the car that hit you was acting on behalf of their employer at the time of the crash, the company may be liable for your damages.
- The average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident is between $50,000 and $100,000,[4] but your amount can vary dramatically based on the severity of your injuries and other factors.
- Filing a lawsuit to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses might make sense, but the legal process can drag on for a long time.
- Pre-settlement funding can help you get the money you need to cover your bills quickly, alleviating your financial stress.
- If you don’t win your case, you don’t have to repay your pre-settlement cash advance.
Who’s at Fault if I Was Hit by a Company Car?
When you’re involved in a commercial car accident, the first thing you should prioritize is your immediate safety and health. After that, it’s natural to want to establish who’s at fault so you can be appropriately compensated. However, doing so may not be clear-cut because there are multiple parties involved in the situation – you, the other driver, the driver’s employer, and potentially others.
If the other driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable. However, if the accident occurred outside of normal working hours or the other driver was running a personal errand or doing something illegal when they hit you (like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol), they may be legally responsible.[2]
Fault can also lie with the vehicle manufacturer. For instance, if the vehicle had a defect directly from the factory that caused the crash, the automaker could be liable for the incident.[3]
Your attorney can help you determine who’s to blame for the incident. Then, they can work on securing adequate compensation from the responsible party.
What’s the Average Settlement for Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Settlement amounts for crashes involving company cars can vary dramatically based on the facts of the case.
For instance, an accident victim could receive anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to seven figures. However, based on data pulled from 2015-2023, the average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident involving a truck or tractor-trailer was around $73,000.[4]
Factors That Determine Settlement Amount
There are many factors that go into determining how much you’ll receive as a settlement after being hit by a company car. Here are some common considerations:[5]
- The severity of your injuries. Generally, the worse your injuries, the higher your payout.
- Loss of income. If you’re unable to work after the accident, your settlement may be higher.
- Pain and suffering. Your settlement may increase if you can demonstrate that you experienced extreme physical pain or mental anguish because of the crash.
- Travel expenses. If the accident occurred far from home, you may be able to recoup travel-related costs to and from court.
- Pre-existing conditions. The other party could make a case that the crash only exacerbated a current health issue, potentially reducing your compensation.
- The location of the crash. Some jurisdictions limit what you can receive for pain and suffering.
- The applicable insurance policies. Your compensation will be capped at the coverage defined in those policies.
In addition, you may receive a higher payout if you work with a trained legal professional instead of trying to negotiate a deal on your own.
Seeking Damages After Being Hit by a Company Car
If you’ve never filed a lawsuit before, the process may seem daunting. Here’s a general overview of how the process works:[6]
- Hire an attorney to help you establish who’s at fault, gather evidence, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court.
- File an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Compile relevant evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and medical documentation.
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement with the other party’s insurance company.
- File the lawsuit if the initial negotiation attempt was unsuccessful.
- Go to trial if subsequent negotiation attempts are still unsuccessful.
Be prepared for this process to take a while – especially if it goes to trial. Your lawyer can advise you on the expected timeline.
When a Lawsuit Loan Might Be Worth It
Getting into a car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment, you’re healthy, active, and able to provide for your family. The next, you’re critically injured, physically limited, and unable to work.
Suddenly, you’re dealing with large medical bills on top of your regular living expenses. Your car is totaled and needs to be replaced. Your emergency fund is depleted, and your credit cards are maxed out.
Your lawyer assures you that you have a solid case and that significant compensation is coming your way. The problem is, you needed the money yesterday. Waiting for your case to resolve seems financially impossible.
If you’re nodding your head yes to this story, pre-settlement funding, also known as a lawsuit loan, could be right for you. Pre-settlement funding is a cash advance of a portion of your anticipated settlement amount. It can help you stay afloat until you receive full compensation for your damages.
Who Qualifies for Pre-Settlement Funding After Being Hit by a Company Vehicle?
You need to meet these three main criteria to qualify for pre-settlement funding:
- You must hire an attorney on a contingency basis (they only get paid if you win your case) before applying for funding.[7]
- You must not have been at fault in the commercial vehicle accident.
- You must have a strong case against the defendant. (Your lawyer can advise you on this.)
Important note: At USClaims, we determine your eligibility for funding based primarily on the benchmarks above, not your credit score.
Lawsuit Loan Process for Cases Involving Company Cars
If you think pre-settlement funding is right for your situation, follow these steps to secure your cash:
- Hire an attorney (if you haven’t already). As we mentioned, you must be working with a lawyer on a contingency basis to apply for a lawsuit loan. Plus, your attorney can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the best results in court.
- File a claim with your lawyer’s help. They can walk you through the entire process.
- Work with your lawyer to apply for pre-settlement funding. They, along with us, can answer any questions you may have.
- Receive your money in as little as 24 business hours (if approved).* Use the cash to pay your bills and cover whatever expenses you see fit.
- Wait for the outcome of your case. If you win, you’ll repay USClaims with a lump sum from your settlement. If you lose, you don’t owe us anything.
Don’t let confusion stop you from getting started. Contact us with questions anytime.
Benefits of Pre-Settlement Funding
Let’s take a look at the most significant perks of getting pre-settlement funding.
Protect Your Credit
Being unable to work doesn’t prevent the bills from coming due. But if cash isn’t flowing into your household, you may not be able to pay them. If your creditors go unpaid for too long, your credit score could be severely damaged, and you may face legal consequences for defaulting on your debt.
Fortunately, getting pre-settlement funding can turn that situation around fast. Depending on the details of your case, you could receive anywhere between $500 and $1,000,000 to put towards your debt, cover living expenses, or pay for anything else that you need.
Wait for a Higher Settlement
When you don’t have money coming in, the financial pressure can mount quickly, especially if your case keeps dragging on. You may be tempted to accept the first settlement deal you’re offered, which could be far less than you deserve. However, if you receive pre-settlement funding, you’ll have the resources you need to wait for an appropriate settlement offer.
No Risk If You Lose Your Case
Pre-settlement funding is nonrecourse, which means you don’t have to worry about having the money to repay us. If you don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a cent. That means there’s no risk to securing the cash you need today.
Use the Funds However You Need
We don’t limit how you use your money. Once it’s in your bank account, you’re free to use it however you wish. However, many plaintiffs use the cash to cover expenses such as:
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Car payments
- Medical bills
- Prescriptions
- Credit card bills
- Insurance premiums
- In-home assistance
Plus, you don’t have to keep track of your spending. We’ll never ask to see receipts.
No Monthly Payments
Pre-settlement funding isn’t a traditional loan, so you won’t need to worry about making monthly payments. Instead, your lawyer will send us a lump sum from your settlement payout (if you win your case).
See How Lawsuit Loans Have Helped People Like You
with USC in the past. USC does not control the content of such reviews.
Where USClaims Provides Funding
We provide pre-settlement funding in most states. However, due to laws in the jurisdictions, we’re unable to offer funding in Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Hit by a Company Vehicle? Pre-Settlement Funding Could Help
If you were in a commercial car accident and you’re struggling to get by, pre-settlement funding could help you stay afloat until you receive an appropriate settlement. If you’re eligible, you could receive funds fast, and you won’t have to repay us unless you win your case.
Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
Settlement After Being Hit by a Company Car FAQs
What happens if someone hits you in a company vehicle?
If someone hits you in a company vehicle, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages. After you’ve moved to a safe location and have been medically evaluated, contact an attorney to discuss your case.
What is the average settlement for commercial vehicle accidents?
Sources
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Data Overview.” Dec. 2024. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2024-12/Commercial%20Motor%20Vehicle%20Crash%20Data%20Overview%20508.pdf
- DelMonico J.D., Andra. Super Lawyers. “What To Do if You’re in a Car Accident with a Company Car.” 23 Oct. 2025. https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/motor-vehicle-accidents/car-accident-liability-and-damages/what-to-do-if-youre-in-a-car-accident-with-a-company-car/
- Brooks Law Group. “Who’s Fault Is It? Determining Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents.” 15 Jan. 2025. https://brookslawgroup.com/legal-blog/whos-fault-is-it-determining-liability-in-commercial-vehicle-accidents/
- Browning, Coy H. Browning Law Firm. “Average Settlement for Commercial Vehicle Accidents.” https://www.browninglawfirm.com/blog/average-settlement-for-commercial-vehicle-accident.cfm
- Karns & Karns. “Commercial Accident Settlements: Timelines, Factors, And What To Expect.” https://www.karnsandkarns.com/commercial-accident-settlements-timelines-factors-and-what-to-expect/
- Expertise.com. “Auto Accident Lawsuit Process: Step-by-Step Guide.” 10 Sept. 2024. https://www.expertise.com/legal/car-accident-lawyers/auto-accident-lawsuit-process-step-by-step-guide
- Peck, Spencer. Peck Law Group. “Lawyers That Work on Contingency: What Does it Mean for You?” https://www.pecklawcorp.com/blog/hiring-lawyers-that-work-on-contingency
*Funding subject to approval. We typically fund within 24 business-day hours after we receive a fully-executed contract. Additional restrictions may apply. Contact for details.
**2X CAP may not be applicable for all types of cases and/or jurisdictions.
Disclaimer: Throughout this website, the term “loan” may be used for convenience to describe pre-settlement funding. However, such transactions are not loans in the legal sense. Repayment is strictly contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If your case is unsuccessful, no repayment is required. Common terms like “lawsuit loan” are used colloquially but misrepresent the nonrecourse nature of pre-settlement funding.
