According to statistics from the Colorado Department of Transportation, traffic fatalities in Colorado have been steadily rising over the past decade, with an estimated 745 people dying in crashes in 2022 – a 57% increase compared to 10 years ago. Impaired driving is a major factor, with cannabis- related crashes jumping 51% and overall impaired driving deaths rising 7% from 2021 to 2022. Other risky driving behaviors are also common in Colorado, including speeding, distracted driving, and failing to stop for pedestrians. With motor vehicle crashes on the rise, it is important to be prepared in case you are involved in a collision while driving a company car in 2024.
Contact The Authorities
If you are involved in a crash with a company vehicle, the first thing you should do is contact the proper authorities. Call 911 and report the incident, providing details on the location, vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the 911 operator or responding emergency personnel after a business car accident. If the company car crash results in injuries or major damage, the police will come to the scene to investigate and document the incident. Cooperate fully by providing your license, registration, and insurance information. Get the contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened.
Get Medical Attention If Needed
Even if you don't think you were injured, it is best to play it safe and get checked out by a doctor after a collision. Promptly treating even minor injuries can prevent complications down the road. Make sure any passengers or people in other vehicles also get medical care if required.
Documentation and Notifications
Once you have addressed any immediate safety issues, you will need to properly document the crash and notify the appropriate parties. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible to inform them of the situation. Take pictures of damage to all vehicles involved, as well as the scene of the accident. Get a copy of the police report documenting the crash. Your employer's policy may require submitting a formal incident report – be sure to comply with internal procedures.
Retain Legal Representation
Crashes can sometimes lead to claims, lawsuits, and other legal troubles down the road. Protect yourself by retaining an attorney experienced in auto accident law. Car accident lawyers can help you navigate insurance claims, disputes over who was at fault, and potential lawsuits stemming from the crash. They can also advocate on your behalf with your employer if the crash leads to disciplinary action or termination. Representation ensures your rights and interests are fully protected.
Repair Or Replace The Vehicle
Depending on the extent of damage and your employer's policy for corporate vehicles, you may need to take the company car to an approved auto repair shop for collision repair services. Use reputable technicians, get several estimates, and save all invoices and documentation. Alternatively, your employer may have the damaged vehicle totaled out and replaced with a new company car, in which case you will likely need to go through training on the new vehicle before resuming normal use for work duties.
Review Company Policies
Carefully review your employer's fleet policies regarding accidents, both for personal awareness and to ensure you comply with all rules and procedures. There may be special protocols for at-fault accidents involving company vehicles, including accident forgiveness thresholds, premium hikes, or mandatory defensive driving training. Understand the potential consequences so you can take proactive steps after an accident occurs as a driver. Consider whether your driving habits may need to change going forward as well.
At-fault collisions in company cars, while often unintentional, can still carry serious repercussions. By following these key steps, you can properly address the driving incident and protect yourself from further issues down the road. Focus on being as prepared, careful, and proactive as possible throughout the legal or financial process heading into 2025.
