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What To Do If In An Accident
As a trucker, you spend a ton of time on the road. Statistically speaking, the more time you spend on the road, the more likely you are to get in an accident. Every driver has the possibility of being in an accident, so it is important to understand what you should do and what information you should gather if it happens to be you in the wreckage.
RULES IN AN ACCIDENT
Rules of the road don’t stop at driving. When in an accident, it is vital to remember the following steps to make sure individuals are safe and the scene is secure.
STOP: If you are in an accident – no matter how big or small – and you leave before you are given permission from law enforcement, it is a crime. A crime that could bring serious penalties such as a ticket, licenses suspension, or even being fired.
PROTECT YOU & THE SCENE: As soon as you can, safely set out warning devices and turn on your four-way flashers if in an accident. This can help prevent other accidents from happening where you are.
ASSIST WHO IS HURT: Help anyone with injuries, but do not move them unless necessary to prevent further injury or to get out of harms way.
CALL 911: Either you, or another motorist needs to notify police and report the accident. Stay with you truck and cargo unless remaining with your stuff puts you in danger.
CALL YOUR EMPLOYER: With your specific location and time, description of injuries, and condition of your cargo, call your dispatcher or safety officer. Let them know where you can be reached.
FILE A CLAIM: Report the crash to your claims department.
INFORMATION GATHERING
After the scene has been secured, you should begin to gather your own information for record. Follow this list below to ensure you get all of the information you need if you are ever in an accident.
FIND OUT WHO ALL IS INVOLVED: Ask for names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved and any witnesses that were nearby. If the other driver flees the scene or refuses to give their information in an accident, remember all details you can for police record. If possible, get a picture of the driver’s license and license plate number of the other vehicle.
GIVE YOUR INFORMATION: Provide you name, company name, and offer drivers license, but don’t admit to anything. Do not sign or discuss anything about the accident with anyone other than the police or company representative.
PROFESSIONALISM: Don’t argue in an accident. Be polite to everyone involved – police, witnesses, drivers, etc.
TAKE PICTURES: Photograph all skids marks, lighting, road signs, road conditions, and possible weather hinderances before moving any vehicles. Be sure to get a shot of all four corners of all damaged vehicles involved including the license plate. DO NOT photograph anyone injured or killed.
MANAGE RECOVERY: If needed, you may ask the police on the scene to call a towing service for your disabled vehicle. Monitor the operation and take photos that may help you with your towing fees. Make note of how long the towing service was at the scene and if they performed any special tasks.
These lists are just overviews of what you should do in an accident. Each situation and each company is different, so keep in mind what is required from you specifically if you are ever involved in an accident. These steps can make the post-accident process easier for everyone and keep the accident scene safer. Contact Bobtail Insurance Group for more information! Call BIG at 1-833-4-RIG-INS.