What to do after an Accident in a Company Car
In the aftermath of a crash, there are certain steps that drivers should take to ensure there is ample evidence to support a thorough investigation. This establishes liability so that responsible parties can be held accountable for accident damages.
Many drivers know what to do following a collision in their personal car, but they may be unsure of what to do after an accident in a company car. When drivers are in a company car, different liability issues come into play. Here, car accident lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau advise drivers in Daytona Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and surrounding areas what to do if they are involved in a work car accident.
Seek Care for Accident Injuries
The most important thing to do after any car accident is to seek care for any accident injuries. If injuries are severe, they should be attended to immediately. If injuries are minor, or if there are no obvious injuries, then drivers can stay at the scene of the accident to collect information and other forms of evidence. Once the accident scene has been cleared, involved parties should seek medical attention, to be sure that no underlying injuries are present.
Call the Police
The police should be notified following a car accident. Responding officers will write an accident report, which can be a vital piece of evidence in an accident investigation. In a police report, officers generally provide their opinion regarding what caused the crash and who was at fault.
Obtain Information from Other Involved Drivers
It is essential that involved drivers can be contacted by insurance companies and accident investigators, so that they can provide their version of the events that occurred leading up to the crash. Having their information is also essential since their insurer will be accountable for accident damages if they are found at-fault for the collision. Before leaving the scene of an accident drivers should obtain the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information from all involved drivers. Contact information should also be collected from accident witnesses.
Take Photos
If possible, it is helpful for drivers to take photos at the scene of the accident. Pictures can capture evidence that may be destroyed or changed by the time an investigator can get to the location of the crash. Photos should be taken of vehicle damages, road conditions, surrounding traffic signs/signals, and any other important pieces of evidence in the area.
Inform Your Employer and Their Insurer
One of the key differences regarding an accident in a personal vehicle and one in a company car is that it is often the employer and their insurance company who will be held liable if their employee is found responsible for a car accident. Because of this, it is essential that employees inform their employer right away if they have been involved in a car accident in a company car. They should also inform the insurance company that holds the policy on the work vehicle.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Individuals who are involved in a car accident in their company car have the same rights as those who are involved in a crash in their own vehicle. To ensure that those rights are protected and that liable parties (whether that be another driver or your employer) are held accountable for damages, it is a good idea to work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Our Daytona Beach lawyers have worked on many cases involving company vehicle car accidents, and we understand the unique liability issues that apply to these situations.
Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau
If you have been involved in an accident while driving a company vehicle, or while driving your personal vehicle for work purposes, the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can assist you in determining accident liability and holding responsible parties accountable for damages. To discuss the details of your collision with our legal team, send us a message online or call (386) 258-7313.