GPI 439 – Tell all drivers what to do after an accident. Create a checklist of ‘to-dos’ and distribute it to them.

If your company has trucks, cars, vans and other business vehicles, make sure the assigned drivers know what to do when they are involved in an accident regardless of fault.  Here is a checklist of things they should be taught prior to any incident that will ultimately occur in the course of any business.

Checklist of actions to take prior to accidents:

• Before any accident occurs, ensure the current insurance card for that vehicle is kept in the assigned glove compartment of the correct car.
• Give renewal cards to the drivers before the expiration date occurs.
• Ask the drivers to bring the insurance cards into the office as a check or ask they send a picture of them to the office periodically to ensure they are in compliance and have the current cards in the vehicle with them.
• If your company has the cards online or stored in the company telephones, require that the drivers demonstrate that they know where they are and can show them to an officer upon request from their assigned telephones.
• Ensure your office has a spare key to the vehicle at all times.
• Review the following accident checklist with each assigned driver.

Checklist of actions to take after an accident occurs:

• Call an ambulance first for anyone injured. (most locations, use ‘911’)
• Call the police and tell them you want them to make an accident report.  If there are injuries, tell them so they will show up and call an ambulance.
• Write down the other vehicle’s license plate number before anything. (In case they take off and do not offer their information. If this happens, call the police as you normally would regardless.)
• Do not leave the scene of the accident.
• Do not move cars unless people are in danger (on a speeding highway, near a dangerous cliff, etc.).
• Take pictures of the accident showing damage, license plate numbers, other drivers, witnesses.
• Write down names and telephone numbers of any witnesses and all involved in the accident.
• Do not discuss the accident with the other driver or drivers.
• Obtain the accident report from the reporting officer. He may give you an assigned number. The official report will occur later that day or afterwards.
• Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number and insurance company telephone number of the other driver. (take a photo of this with your camera if necessary).
• Write down the exact time and date of the accident. Take pictures around you from the scene of the accident.
• Write down and describe the exact location of the accident (clear physical address). Draw a map if you must.
• Note the weather and road conditions (after dark, bright light, stop light not working, ongoing construction, one way street, exits blocked, raining, sleet, snowing, blizzard, tornado?).
• When you speak with your insurance agent, ask them to supply you with their suggested list of things to do after an accident. They may have a good comprehensive list to duplicate and put in all of company vehicles.