If a company’s delivery van driver strikes your vehicle, how do you know whether the company is responsible for paying your damages? The legal principle respondeat superior will help determine the answer. From the Boston, MA, offices of Bellotti Law Group, PC, a car accident attorney explains this and other legal principles involved when drivers have accidents in company vehicles. 

What Is “Respondeat Superior”?

The legal term respondeat superior means the master is responsible for the servant’s acts. Modern language describes the principle as “vicarious liability,” which holds owners liable for their team’s actions within the scope of the employment. For instance, a pizza delivery driver taking an order to a customer’s home is acting within those parameters.

However, companies are often relieved of liability when their drivers commit criminal acts. For example, a delivery service driver has a few beers at lunch and later strikes another vehicle while in route. If the driver is charged with a DUI, the company lawyer will argue the driver’s criminal act relieves the company of legal responsibility.

When Drivers Go on Frolic & Detour

Employee drivers might have accidents during side trips on company time in those business' vehicles. For example, a pizza delivery driver goes to the mall to meet a friend before returning to the shop for another pickup and has an incident before entering the mall parking lot. Company lawyers argue such actions are a “frolic and detour” that relieves employers of liability. Your car accident attorney will look for ways to hold employers responsible, protecting your right to recover for the damages suffered.   

At the Bellotti Law Group, PC, skilled car accident attorneys protect their clients’ rights and interests in claims against employers and their drivers. Their lawyers seek full compensation from all parties that may be liable for damages. Get the wise counsel and strong advocacy you need to win. Visit their website for more information about their expertise in this practice area, and call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a free consultation. You can also follow the car accident attorneys on Facebook for helpful legal tips.