After an Auto Accident: Things to Consider

I’m in a company vehicle and I’ve just been in an accident! I think it might have been my fault.  What do I do?

It’s not uncommon for our agency to receive these kinds of calls.  Accidents can be unnerving and disorienting.  Here are some guidelines to remember that may give you or your organization a better outcome in the case of an automobile accident.

• Don’t linger near traffic.  Alert help:  Check that it’s safe to exit the vehicle, then move yourself away from the accident to a secure area.  Call 911 and inform them of the situation.
• Get driver and witness info: Get as much driver information as possible, including contact information, insurance details, vehicle make and model, and employer details.  If there are witnesses, get their contact information before they leave.
• Don’t admit fault or make statements about the accident.  Emotions can run high after an accident.  Your instinct may be to calm the situation by admitting fault or explaining what happened.  Remember that now is not the time to determine who is at fault.
• Take pictures and record notes.  Take pictures of all vehicles involved in an accident and where it occurred.  Either at the scene or later, write down everything you remember from the accident, including statements made to you by others.
• Seek medical treatment for any injuries.   
• Report the accident to your insurance company.  Insurance companies require that you report accidents to them, even if you are not at fault.  Call your agency or the carrier directly

Our agency has created a practical guide for our clients that tells them what to do and who to call in claims scenarios related to Auto, Liability, Property, and Workers Comp.

This article is meant to provide general risk-management tips and is not legal advice.  Remember to report any loss about which you have any questions or concerns to us at Bitner Henry so that we can discuss with you whether to request coverage from your insurance carrier or simply to send the carrier a record of the situation in order to comply with your insurance policy requirement and preserve your rights if the loss ends up entailing higher costs than were originally anticipated. Our concern is always your protection.