Auto Insights

Eight Steps for Reporting a Company-Vehicle Accident

Any person who has been involved in a motor vehicle collision will tell you it can be a stressful experience. Whether or not you are at fault, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and confused.

If you’re in an accident with a company vehicle, in addition to any reporting requirements your employer may have, there are important post-crash steps you should keep in mind – steps that can help save lives, keep those involved safe and assist in simplifying your insurance claims process.

• Step 1: Stop your vehicle. If you are involved in an accident and don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.
• Step 2: Call for medical aid, if necessary.
• Step 3: Follow the instructions given to you by the 911 operator. Police or emergency personnel will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident, as you may aggravate their injuries.
• Step 4: Call the police if medical aid is not necessary and the collision occurred on a public roadway. In that event, it’s important to have a police report of the accident. If the accident occurs on private property and causes property damage, speak with the owner of the property and your supervisor to determine next steps, but always document the damage by taking pictures and fill out an accident form to record what happened.
• Step 5: Stay inside your vehicle. Oncoming traffic can be deadly. Only if it is safe to do so, should you get out of your car. If you’re able to safely do so, take pictures of the scene.
• Step 6: When it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles or flares, as appropriate.
• Step 7: Record as much information about the accident as possible using a Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Form.
• Step 8: Turn in all your accident documentation and pictures to your supervisor.

As difficult as it may seem, it’s important that you remain calm. Refrain from arguing with other drivers and passengers. What’s more, do not voluntarily assume liability or take responsibility, sign statements regarding fault or promise to pay for damage at the scene of the accident.

Click here to view/download a sample Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Form. To learn more about accident reporting for company vehicles, talk to the automobile insurance experts at VTC Insurance Group. Simply contact a VTC agent near you, give us a call or visit vtcins.com.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

The sample Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting form is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It does not purport to be a comprehensive analysis of all matters relevant to its subject matter. The content should not, therefore, be regarded as constituting legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. Further, the law may have changed since first publication and the reader is cautioned accordingly.