What If an Employee Has a Car Accident During Work-Related Tasks?

Employees who drive for work purposes are at risk of being involved in a car accident while carrying out their duties, with 523,796 large truck accidents reported in 2021. As an employer, it’s important to have procedures in place for handling these situations properly. Here is some guidance on what to do if an employee has a car accident during work-related tasks.

At the Scene of the Accident

If the employee is able, they should contact emergency services and remain at the scene of the accident until help arrives. They should not admit fault or get into discussions about who was responsible. The employee should also contact their supervisor or manager at the company as soon as possible to report the incident.

In 2020, 1,593,390 crashes resulted in injuries. If there are any injuries, medical attention should be sought immediately. The employee should get the contact details of any other parties involved in the accident and the names and badge numbers of any attending police officers. Pictures should be taken of the damage and general scene if it is safe to do so. All this evidence will assist in determining liability later on.

Reporting the Incident

There will need to be a formal report of the car accident that the employee submits to the employer. This should outline all the details like location, damage, injuries, third parties involved and any police reports. The employee may also need to submit their license to human resources or their manager for review.

As an employer, you also need to report the incident to your insurance provider. Provide details like who was driving, the car that was involved, location, damage and injuries. This starts the claims process to repair damages and assist any injured parties.

Determining Liability

Liability will need to be determined by analyzing the accident report.

• If the employee is found to be at fault, the employer’s insurance will cover damages, with the rate likely increasing at renewal. Disciplinary action may have to be taken depending on the circumstances.
• If another party is found to be at fault, their insurance should cover the damages. The employee may need to call a car crash lawyer to assist with recovering costs if the other party does not have adequate coverage.
• If liability is disputed, the matter may go to court for a definitive liability ruling. The employer will need to work closely with legal counsel and insurance providers.

Post-Accident Drug/Alcohol Testing

A national survey revealed that 15.3% of workers admitted to being under the influence of alcohol while at work. A further 2.9% admitted taking illicit drugs at work. It may be prudent or required by law to have the employee submit to drug and alcohol testing shortly after the accident. This quickly rules out or confirms intoxication as a factor in the crash. Counsel should be consulted to ensure testing is carried out properly and adheres to regulations.

Providing Support

The employer should stay in touch with the employee after the accident to provide support. Monitor whether counseling or medical assistance is needed to aid recovery from any physical or psychological injuries. The employee’s workload may need to be adjusted temporarily to account for healing or vehicle repairs.

With the proper procedures in place, employers can handle employee car accidents during work duties in a way that assists the employee, determines liability, and protects the company’s interests. Being prepared for this possibility reduces risk and ensures that responsible parties are held accountable.