As an employer, if you have a company fleet, chances are at some point you will be confronted with an accident with one or more of your drivers. Knowing how to handle this can help the situation be easier to manage. Having your employees clear on their responsibilities in the event of a road traffic collision can be easier for everyone.
Automobile collisions are frequently complicated. Along with resolving insurance issues, legal matters and determining who was responsible, there may be injuries to recuperate from. Seeking a lawyer to represent you in litigation may also be necessary, and talking with a Lakeland car accident lawyer will put your mind at rest.
Determining who pays the bill and bears responsibility for a corporate vehicle accident frequently has long-term ramifications, so it’s important to understand what will happen and how it may affect you.
Seek Medical Treatment if Required
Serious injuries are possible in an accident involving different vehicles. The priority is the safety of everyone involved in the crash. Before taking any further action, it is critical to check the health and well-being of those injured in the accident. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to get assistance.
Report The Accident
Even if no significant injuries are sustained, it is critical to contact the police and file a complaint about documentation. Whether you were the commercial vehicle driver or were struck by one, inform the police officer of everything you recall about the accident, including minor details. Nothing is insignificant.
Share Information
After reporting the accident to the authorities, exchange information with the other driver and vice versa. The following is a list of information you should gather:
- Complete name and contact details
- Employer/name firm’s
- Company and policy number of the insurer
- Driver’s license and number assigned to the license plate
- Vehicle type, color, and model
- The location of the incident
Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute advises not arguing fault while discussing the facts of the collision with the other motorist. Your insurance company and an adjuster will evaluate who is at fault based on the extent of vehicle/property damage, the information provided by you and the other motorist, the police record, and any corroborating images obtained at the scene.
Take photographs.
Photograph the accident scene before vehicles are moved to the side of the road, but only if this is possible safely. Take photographs of the situation and both vehicles from various angles, and don’t forget to photograph damage to after-market features such as alloy wheels and custom license plate frames. Photographs are invaluable for insurance purposes and possible legal proceedings with a truck accident attorney. Additionally, they assist you in recalling what occurred during the accident, as details tend to blur over time.
If you were the driver of the commercial vehicle, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that the other motorist may seek to hold your employer liable for the incident in the hope of obtaining more compensation. This is another reason why accurate paperwork is crucial to your insurance adjuster’s success.
Inform Employers
Lastly, your employees need to inform the company of the accident and provide any details that are relevant to the situation to ensure employers records are up to date and the employee and employer are covered.
Who Is At Fault?
Following a car accident, one of the most frequently asked questions is which the insurance company will pay for the damage. Once again, if the other driver is at fault, the other driver’s insurance company will cover the cost. When your employer owns the vehicle you’re driving, the company insures it, which means the insurance company will cover the cost if you’re at fault.
However, keep in mind that your employer’s liability is limited. This frequently comes down to the question of whether you were acting within the scope of your obligations at the time of the crash.
In a nutshell, this means that your employer’s insurance protects you if you were performing a job-related role.
For instance, suppose you were making sales calls in your corporate car and collided with a car that came to a quick stop in front of you. Because the accident occurred during business hours and you were doing job-related responsibilities, your employer would bear responsibility for the accident.
However, if the situation changes, everything changes. Assume you drove your corporate car to your child’s basketball game after work. While returning home following the game, you collide with an automobile that comes to a sudden stop in front of you. Now, even though the incident is identical, there is a question of liability because you were not on company business. As a result, you risk being held accountable for damages.
An accident in a company vehicle can be more complicated than in a personal vehicle, however following company and insurance company guidance, you can reach an agreement quickly by documenting the whole process thoroughly.
