A commercial auto accident can disrupt a business in seconds. An employee may be injured, a company vehicle could be damaged, and the business may suddenly face repair expenses, liability questions, or lost productivity.
What happens immediately after the accident can also affect the insurance claim that follows.
Businesses that rely on company vehicles should have an accident response procedure in place before drivers ever need it. A properly structured commercial auto insurance policy can help protect vehicles, drivers, and the business from covered losses, but employees also need to know what to do at the scene.
Here is a step-by-step look at what should happen after a commercial vehicle accident.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Get to Safety
Safety should always come first.
Drivers should check themselves and their passengers for injuries and contact emergency services when necessary. If the vehicle can be moved safely and local requirements allow it, moving away from active traffic may reduce the risk of another collision.
Employees should not leave the accident scene prematurely.
According to accident guidance from the Insurance Information Institute, drivers should first check for injuries and contact emergency services if anyone is hurt. They should also document any vehicle damage and gather relevant information from everyone involved in the accident.
Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement When Appropriate
Depending on the severity and location of the accident, law enforcement may need to be notified.
An official accident report can provide important documentation about what happened. Employees should cooperate with responding officers and obtain information about how the business can request a copy of the report.
Businesses should also have an established procedure for reporting and reviewing vehicle accidents. OSHA’s motor vehicle safety guidance for employers recommends having accident reporting procedures in place and reviewing crashes to identify their causes and determine whether changes in company policies or practices could help prevent similar incidents.
Drivers should focus on providing accurate, factual information rather than arguing about responsibility for the accident.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene
Once immediate safety concerns have been addressed, the employee should document the scene when it is safe to do so.
Useful information can include:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of the surrounding accident scene
- License plate numbers
- Other drivers’ names and contact information
- Insurance information
- Vehicle makes and models
- Witness contact information
- Location, date, and time
- Weather and road conditions
Good documentation can become particularly valuable if questions arise later about how the accident occurred.
Step 4: Notify the Business
Employees driving for work should know exactly whom to contact after an accident.
Depending on the company, that person could be a supervisor, fleet manager, owner, or safety manager. Businesses should establish this procedure in advance rather than expecting employees to figure it out during a stressful situation.
The employer can then begin documenting the incident internally and determine what additional steps are necessary.
Step 5: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Professional
Businesses should report commercial auto accidents promptly according to the terms and requirements of their policy.
When contacting the insurer or insurance agent, have the available documentation ready. This may include the employee’s information, vehicle details, accident report information, photographs, witness details, and information about other vehicles involved.
Garrett Insurance’s commercial auto insurance coverage may include protections such as bodily injury liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the policy.
The specific coverage that applies to an accident will depend on the circumstances and the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy.
Step 6: Work Through the Claims Process
After a claim is reported, the insurer may assign a claims representative or adjuster to investigate the loss.
The business may be asked to provide additional information, repair estimates, photographs, police reports, or other documentation. Employees and business owners should respond promptly and maintain organized records of claim-related communications.
Avoid authorizing major repairs until you understand the insurer’s process and any applicable policy requirements.
Step 7: Plan for Vehicle Downtime
A damaged vehicle can create operational problems beyond the repair bill.
A contractor may lose access to a service truck. A delivery business may have difficulty completing routes. An employee who regularly visits customers may suddenly have no company transportation.
Businesses should review whether their policy provides applicable rental reimbursement or other coverage that could help during repairs. Coverage varies, so it is important to verify what the individual policy provides rather than assuming a replacement vehicle is automatically included.
Step 8: Review What Caused the Accident
Once immediate claim issues are under control, review the accident internally.
Ask questions such as:
- Was the employee following company driving procedures?
- Was distracted driving involved?
- Did weather or road conditions contribute?
- Was the vehicle properly maintained?
- Does driver training need to be updated?
The purpose should be to identify preventable risks and improve future safety.
Step 9: Review Your Insurance Coverage
An accident is also an opportunity to determine whether your insurance still matches your operations.
Adding vehicles, hiring new drivers, expanding delivery areas, or changing how vehicles are used can affect a company’s insurance needs. Businesses should periodically review their commercial insurance program rather than waiting until another accident occurs.
Prepare Before the Next Vehicle Leaves the Lot
The best time to find a gap in your commercial auto coverage is before an accident happens. If your company has added vehicles, hired new drivers, changed how vehicles are used, or expanded its service area, your current policy may need another look.
Not sure whether your current protection is keeping up with your business? Garrett Insurance can help you review your commercial auto coverage and understand how your vehicles, drivers, and business operations are currently protected.