Company car ownership has fallen in the US, with employees more likely to choose other perks than a company car these days. Nevertheless, many US companies do still operate fleets, and if you drive for a living, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be involved in an accident at some point.
Getting into a car accident is stressful no matter what, but it can be especially concerning if you were driving a company vehicle at the time of the collision. There were 1.5 million injury-casuing crashes in 2020, and in Texas, 18,752 people sustained a serious injury in a crash during 2023.
There are certain steps you need to take right away to make sure you handle the situation properly and avoid any issues down the line. Follow this advice on exactly what to do if you get into an accident with a company car.
Table of Contents
Assess the Situation and Call for Help
Your first priority is to make sure you and anyone else involved are unharmed. Once you’ve determined there are no serious injuries, assess the accident scene and try to move your vehicle and any others involved to a safe location out of oncoming traffic, if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Also, contact the police so there is an official report documenting the collision.
Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance details. Also, provide them with your insurance information. Having this information is crucial for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings later. Make sure to also get the contact information for any passengers or witnesses at the scene.
Contact Your Employer ASAP
You’ll need to contact your employer right away to report the company vehicle was involved in a collision. Provide details on the location, damage to vehicles, any injuries to parties involved, and that you already contacted the authorities. Follow any additional steps your employer requires like drug testing or incident documentation. Promptly reporting the accident can help limit liability.
Cooperate with the Insurance Investigation
Both your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer will investigate the accident to determine fault and process any claims. Cooperate fully by providing your recollection of what happened, any photos/videos from the scene, police reports, and other relevant details.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney
There were 55,634 crashes in Dallas during 2021. If you’ve been in a Dallas car accident, especially one that caused injuries or property damage, it’s wise to consult a car accident lawyer. An attorney can advise if you have grounds for a lawsuit, determine who is liable, file claims to insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement amount, represent you in court if needed, and make sure your legal rights are protected throughout the process. Their expertise can be invaluable.
Manage Any Injuries
Follow recommended treatment plans and keep your employer updated on your recovery status, especially if you miss any work due to injuries. Make sure treatment expenses are covered by the proper insurance provider.
Review Company Policies
Every employer has different rules regarding accidents in company vehicles. Revisit policies to ensure you took the proper steps and see if there are any additional requirements while claims are being processed, like being placed on leave or providing documentation. Make sure to follow all guidelines to avoid disciplinary action.
Getting into an accident while driving a company car can be tricky, but following these steps helps ensure you handle the situation properly from start to finish.
