Car Accident Lawyer Tips for Company Vehicles

There are around 1.8 million company-owned vehicles in fleet use in the US. Having an accident in a company car can be stressful because it’s not your vehicle. While your first priority should always be to make sure everyone involved is unharmed, once that is confirmed, there are several steps you should take to handle the situation properly.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer

After a collision, contact an experienced car accident lawyer, like Attorney Alex De Castroverde, to understand your legal rights. Discuss the details of the incident and how to build a strong case. A lawyer can handle insurance negotiations, determine liability, file claims on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed. Their guidance is invaluable.

Assess the Damage

Take stock of how severe the crash is. 57% of all car accidents are front-end collisions, which can cause significant damage. Is the car drivable or does it need to be towed? Are there any major dents, scratches or broken parts? Make note of all visible damage and take photos if possible. Also, check for leaks and other mechanical issues. Knowing the full extent of the damage will help when filing insurance and police reports later.

Call the Police After the Car Accident

You’ll want an official accident report for insurance purposes, so call the police as soon as possible if there are any injuries or if the damage appears significant. Make sure to get the name and badge number of the responding officer. The report should include details about all parties involved, insurance information, makes/models of the vehicles, and an overview of what happened. Having a police report will make the claims process much smoother.

Exchange Information

If any other vehicles or property were involved, exchange insurance and contact details with their owners. Get their name, address, phone number, insurance provider and policy number. Also, share your insurance details with them for their records. If there are any eyewitnesses, try to get their contact information too in case their account is needed later.

Notify Your Employer After the Car Accident

Call your manager, supervisor or HR department right away to notify them of the crash. Explain the situation in full and get guidance on the next steps per company policy. There may be special procedures for getting the vehicle repaired, reporting claims or arranging temporary transportation through the company fleet. Your employer needs to be informed as soon as possible.

Get the Car Fixed

Depending on what your company policy is, take the company vehicle to an authorized repair shop as soon as possible. Some employers have preferred auto shops that they work with regularly. Make sure to get a detailed estimate for the repairs. Save all invoices related to the accident. Ask when they expect the car to be ready so you can inform your employer. Renting a car may be necessary if the repairs will take more than a day or two.

Follow Up with Your Car Insurance Company

Keep your employer updated throughout the claims and repair process. Let them know when the car is in the shop, the expected costs, when it will be ready and any other developments. Make sure to get approval in advance for rentals, repairs or other related expenses.

The aftermath of a collision in a company car involves many steps. Staying organized, communicating with your employer, and fully documenting the incident will help ensure the situation is handled properly. While an accident is upsetting, following protocol and working proactively with your insurer and repair shop will get things back on track quickly.