Involved in a Company Vehicle Accident? What To Do Next
Having your work day interrupted by an unexpected automobile accident is no one’s idea of a good day at work. But it does happen to many people who rely on driving from location to location for their jobs. Although this is an inconvenience, knowing a few things ahead of time may make the situation a little more tolerable and certainly a little less stressful.
You should always be prepared for an accident and have your insurance information, drivers license and a way to document with notes and pictures what has taken place. This is a great time to have a working mobile phone with you. You can even record what is going on at the scene of the accident for later reference.
The first thing to do after an accident is to ensure that all people involved are not injured. If any person needs medical attention it is important to dial 911 immediately. If all persons are safe, make sure that you are out-of-the-way of traffic.
If it is possible to snap photos of the vehicles without moving them first, this may be very important in the future. If there is a safety concern about being in the line of active traffic or some other hazard, move the vehicles to safety if possible before taking pictures. Photos can be taken with most mobile devices.
The next step is to communicate with the other victims of the accident. It is important that you keep conversation to a minimum without using words or phrases that will possibly incriminate you in later proceedings. Do not admit guilt or remorse as this may be used to question your innocence.
Simply exchange your insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to record all of the information accurately. It is a good idea to take a photo of their insurance card and drivers license to ensure the accuracy of the information. During this exchange of data, be sure to pay attention to the words and actions of the other driver. Record any suspicions of drinking or observations. This information may become valuable if litigation and attorneys are involved.
The next thing to do is to contact your employer and inform them of the incident. Each company has their own procedures and lawyers for these types of situations. If the vehicle is drivable, the employer may have you return to the business. If the vehicle is not operational, the employer should arrange for a towing company to retrieve it. Turn over copies of the evidence that you gathered earlier and follow the instructions that the employer gives you including contacting an attorney if necessary.
When discussing this issue with the employer, it is important to consider having an attorney present if the company’s insurance does not cover you from litigation. It is also important to choose your language carefully as to not instill guilt on yourself or admission of wrong doing.
When it comes to the tricky situation involving auto accidents and company vehicles, it is important to keep yourself safe from prosecution. Take the necessary steps to ensure safety, contact the police, take pictures, exchange information, contact the employer, and hire an attorney to ensure that you are not considered at fault for incidents involving an accident that occurs while you are driving work vehicle.