Tips for Handling Road Accidents in Your Business

Did you know? A significant portion of accidents (78%) are attributed to driver error, including speeding, driving under the influence, and failing to observe traffic rules. (Vital stats)

As we all know, roadways are a vital source of connection and trade for many businesses because they can deliver numerous products and services to different terrains. 

However, due to this regular travel and surge to rapidly coordinate with consumers, sometimes the lodging vehicles become prone to serious life-threatening accidents.

Because of this, many company owners face serious consequences of legal obligations and heavy capital fines. 

So, to eradicate this concern and mitigate compliances, this blog post aims to provide some constructive tips to defend yourself during these chaotic events. 

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways 

• Understanding the basics to calculate the company’s liability 
• Finding the best ways to deal with these accidents
• Uncovering the hidden details and solutions to reduce legal compliance
• Learning about the investigation procedures and preventive measures. 

Determining Fault and Liability in Company Vehicle Accidents

Establishing who is to blame in a company vehicle accident is important in dealing with insurance cases and possible legal actions. This is in contrast to the majority of states that utilize the at-fault system, wherein the individual responsible for the accident is liable for damages. The situation becomes more intricate when a company vehicle is involved. The complexities increase significantly in cases involving a company car.

According to the respondent superior rule, employers can be held legally responsible for the accidents committed by employees during their work. This means an employer does not have to be negligent to be held legally responsible. The Florence truck accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm can help clarify these complex scenarios and protect your business or personal interests. Experienced lawyers can also help defend an accident or claim for what is rightfully due to you in an accident.

However, suppose the employee was using the vehicle at the time of the accident or for some other purpose, which is called the ‘frolic’. In that case, the liability lies solely on the employee.

How to Handle Road Accidents

Now, let’s try to understand how some car accident risks can be managed.

Implement a Clear Accident Response Policy

It is advisable for any business that employs vehicles to have a written policy on how to handle accidents. 

• The policy draws serious investigation from employees, which includes assessing the extent of damage, calling for an ambulance if there are injuries, taking pictures, and reporting the incident to management. 
• It also helps to eliminate the guesswork and standardize how things are done so that everyone is not confused. 
• Plus, the organization is not exposed to unnecessary legal liabilities.

Train Employees on Emergency Procedures

A driver should be trained to follow the various procedures before, during, and after an accident. These are the safety measures, guidelines for documenting someone, communication processes, and dealing with the police. Well-trained employees are less likely to panic and can follow the right standard measures that protect the employees and the company.

Intriguing Insights 
This infographic shows the distinctive causes of accidents.

Document Everything Thoroughly

Good documentation is essential in law and insurance, especially when there’s a disagreement or a claim. Teach your drivers to click accurate images of damage caused to the vehicles, the road, and the environment. They should also take the contact details of any witnesses and the other driver(s), if any, and prepare an internal accident report immediately. Thus, this evidence favors your case and could influence the outcomes of claims or investigations.

Report Accidents Promptly to Insurers and Legal Advisors

This is especially, so after an accident, since time is of the essence. Reporting the accident to the insurance company helps start the claim process and avoid non-compliance with the policy. 

• It is necessary to notify your attorney, especially when there are injuries or litigation prospects.
• If you’ve had a serious accident with a commercial truck, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer. 
• This can be beneficial for you to steer clear of any complicated legal issues down the road.

Conduct an Internal Investigation

If the crisis management is done well, the next step is to investigate what could have gone wrong and how it could be prevented in the future. For example, the reason for the accident was improper driving activity or an under-maintained vehicle. 

First, talk to the driver; then, if possible, check the footage from the car’s dashboard camera; and finally, consult with the members of the team who may have more information about the situation. This step is not merely an attempt to blame someone, but is more of pointing out the areas of vulnerability in your business.

Take Preventive Measures Moving Forward

Every accident should be analyzed and considered as a lesson to be learned. As per your research, employ remedial steps to train employees better, have better company policies, or double up on overhauling vehicle checks. 

Fleet management software or dashcams are recommended to control drivers’ behavior. It is important to establish accountability and safety consciousness to prevent future mishaps and improve the firm’s risk management plan.

Road accidents are a major business risk that needs to be handled carefully to prevent serious problems eventually. Consequently, should you possess a robust strategy, it is imperative that your team receives adequate training and remains vigilant for any potential issues. It is essential to be prepared to act promptly and guide your organization towards more prosperous future endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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