2.3 million people were injured in auto accidents in 2020, and some of those people were working at the time. In 2021, there were 38,680 fatalities from road accidents, with a fatality rate of 1.37 per 100 million miles.
Being in a car accident while working is horrible. However, there are some key steps you should take after a work-related auto accident to protect yourself and establish a record of what happened.
Seek Medical Attention
The first priority after any car accident is making sure all parties receive appropriate medical care. Getting prompt medical attention can document your injuries, provide a record that you sought treatment, and help avoid worsening of conditions.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
You will need to inform your employer about the work-related auto accident as soon as reasonably possible. Provide factual details about when and where the accident occurred, who was involved, if the police responded, any injuries sustained, and if you sought medical care. Your employer may require you to take a drug test, per company policy. They will also need the accident report for insurance and liability purposes.
Document the Scene and Damage
If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos recording damage to the vehicles involved, their position on the road, skid marks, and any hazardous conditions. Get the contact details and insurance information from the other driver. If you have any witnesses who saw the accident occur, get their contact information too. All this documentation will assist in establishing what happened.
File a Police Report
Even minor accidents in a parking lot should be reported to the police – around 20% of all auto accidents happen in a parking lot, which leads to 500+ deaths per year. An officer can create an official record of the car accident and issue any necessary citations. The police report can include testimony from officers who responded, which may be useful evidence. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your records.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
You will need to promptly inform your insurance company about the work-related car accident. Provide all relevant details about the incident, any injuries or vehicle damage, and if you plan to seek medical treatment or repairs. Ask about your coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs or replacement. Save any documentation your insurer provides.
Consult an Attorney
It can be wise to contact a car accident attorney after an on-the-job auto accident. They can advise you about steps to take to protect your rights and best navigate the claims process. An attorney can deal with your employer and their insurance company while you focus on recovering. They will determine if the accident merits legal action.
Track Expenses and Lost Wages
Keep records of all accident-related costs like medical bills, property repairs or replacement, mileage for appointments, and lost income from missed work. These records will be crucial for insurance claims and possible lawsuits. Note your symptoms and functional limitations too.
Follow Up on Treatment
Make sure to follow all doctor’s orders for medications, therapy, check-ups, or other treatments to properly heal from any accident injuries. You will need documentation of the full course of your treatment. Avoid gaps in care, as insurers may claim injuries healed faster than they really did.
By promptly taking these essential steps after a work-related car accident, you can protect your rights and access all benefits you may be entitled to. Reporting the incident, seeking treatment, and contacting the appropriate parties creates vital documentation. Your employer, insurer, attorney, and doctor are key partners in strategically advancing your car accident claim.
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