Learn the dos and don’ts of accidents involving company vehicles.
If your business’s operations require the use of company owned vehicles, then there is always the chance of an employee being involved in an auto accident. While your employee and your company vehicle should be protected under the right commercial auto insurance policy, you also need to train your employees on how to handle this situation. Here are some of the steps that they should take while dealing with accidents involving company vehicles.
DO:
- Remain calm, panicking won’t do anything to help the situation. Take a few minutes to calm your nerves before proceeding.
- Check yourself for any injuries and check the other party as well. If someone is injured, call an ambulance right away.
- As you wait for medical help to arrive, do your best to assist any injured parties. Make sure that you do not administer first aid unless you are qualified to do so.
- Contact the police, even if there are no major injuries. Having an official police report will help you when it comes time to file your insurance claim.
- Make sure that you exchange information with the other party. You will need to know the following:
- license number of other drivers
- insurance company names and policy numbers of other vehicles
- make, year, model of other vehicles
- date and time of accident
- overall road and weather conditions
- photographs of the vehicles and accident scene
- Immediately report the accident to your employer.
- Learn how you can secure a copy of the official police report.
DO NOT:
- Admit guilt or assign blame. There might be another cause of the accident that you are not aware of. When speaking to the police, give your account of the incident honestly and allow them to determine guilt as they see fit.
- Sign any statements. Do not rush into anything when you are feeling flustered or overwhelmed.
- Act aggressively towards the other driver. Starting a fight will not do anything to help the situation and getting into a physical altercation will only lead to legal trouble.
- Leave the scene until you are officially cleared by the police. Leaving before you are given the all-clear could be seen as a hit-and-run situation.
- Consume alcohol or drugs within 8 hours following the accident or until undergoing a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first.
These are some of the dos and don’ts of handling accidents involving company vehicles. Remember, if your business requires the use of company owned vehicles, then you need to have the proper commercial coverages in place for your business. For assistance with your business’s insurance needs, turn to the professional team at PMC Insurance Group. Contact us today to learn more about getting competitive coverage for your small business clients.
