Car accidents are stressful enough, but when you’re driving a company vehicle, the situation becomes even more complicated. Whether you’re a delivery driver, sales rep, or just running errands for work, knowing the right steps to take can protect both you and your employer. J.L. King, II, an experienced car accident lawyer in Macon, GA, shares a guide on how you could handle this challenging situation.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Your first priority is always safety. Take a deep breath and assess whether anyone needs medical attention. Even though motor vehicle fatalities decreased by 4.3% in 2023 to 40,901 deaths nationwide, accidents still pose serious risks. If anyone is injured, you call 911 immediately and ensure that anyone who is seriously injured stays as still as possible unless they’re in danger.
Secure The Car Accident Scene
Once you’ve confirmed everyone’s safety, make the accident scene as safe as possible. Use your hazard lights, set up flares or reflective triangles if you have them, and move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. This is especially important for larger company vehicles. There were 5,370 fatal crashes in 2021 that involved large trucks and buses. In 2022 this actually increased to 5,476, resulting in 6,139 total fatalities.
Report The Accident To The Authorities
Always call the police, even for minor fender-benders in a company vehicle. You’ll need an official police report for insurance purposes and to protect your employer’s interests. Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about causes.
Notify Your Employer Immediately
This step is crucial and often overlooked in the moment. Call your supervisor or HR department as soon as it’s safe to do so. Many companies have specific protocols for vehicle accidents, and prompt notification helps ensure you’re following proper procedures. Your employer may need to contact their insurance company or send someone to the scene.
Document Everything From The Car Accident Scene
Take photos of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and relevant road conditions or signage. Get contact information from the other driver, including their insurance details. Also collect contact information from any witnesses, their statements could be valuable later.
Exchange Information Carefully
When sharing information with the other driver, provide your driver’s license and the company vehicle’s insurance information. However, be careful about what you say. Avoid discussing fault or making statements like “I’m sorry” that could be interpreted as admissions of guilt.
Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident
Consider seeing a doctor whether you think you are injured or not. Adrenaline can make you feel as though everything is fine, yet some symptoms don’t appear until hours or days later. Having medical documentation protects both your health and legal interests.
Know When to Get a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
If the accident involves serious injuries, significant property damage, or disputes about fault, a car accident lawyer can help navigate the complex intersection of personal injury law, workers’ compensation, and company liability. They can ensure your rights are protected while managing the various insurance claims and potential legal issues.
Dealing with a car accident in a company vehicle can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re not alone in this process. Your employer likely has experience handling these situations and resources to help you through it. Focus on your recovery, follow up with any medical treatment you need, and stay in regular communication with your supervisor about your status.
