Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic. It might be difficult to focus on the steps to take after a car crash. If the car you are driving when you wreck is a company car, you might be even more anxious.
Fortunately, the steps you take after you crash a company car in Phoenix, AZ, are not much different from what you should do if you crash any car. Depending on the nature of the collision, you might want to contact an auto accident attorney immediately to learn about your legal options.
The steps you should take if you crash a company car in Phoenix, AZ, include:
Report the Accident to the Police Immediately
Arizona traffic laws require you to report car accidents to law enforcement. Calling 911 is the quickest way to report an accident. If the other driver does not want to call the police, call 911 anyway.
It is always wise to have an official police report after a car accident, but you definitely want an official crash report when you crash a company vehicle.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
While you wait for the police to arrive, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, including the damage to each vehicle. If a hazard or dangerous condition contributed to the cause of the crash, take pictures. Making a video of the accident scene can prevent you from missing key details.
Ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their name and contact information. However, please do not discuss the cause of the accident with them or the other driver.
See a Doctor To Be Checked for Injuries
It is crucial that you seek medical treatment for your injuries. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, you need evidence proving the car accident caused your damages.
Furthermore, prompt medical treatment improves your chance of making a full recovery and reduces the risk of developing a life-threatening condition or permanent impairment. It is wise to see a doctor regardless of whether you think you sustained serious injuries.
Contact Your Employer
Contact your employer to report the accident as soon as possible. Even though you may fear that your employer may fire you for crashing the company car, you must report the accident and deal with the consequences. However, you should be cautious of admitting fault or providing details about the accident until you speak with a lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Crashing a company car in Phoenix could have serious job-related consequences. An experienced car accident attorney investigates the car crash to determine if the collision is your fault. An attorney can also defend you against unjust allegations of contributory fault or comparative negligence to prevent an insurance company from unfairly blaming you for causing the crash.
Even if your employer hires an attorney, it is wise to seek separate legal counsel. The company’s attorney prioritizes protecting your employer, which can be a conflict of interest. When you hire a car accident attorney, your lawyer prioritizes doing what is in your best interests.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you were working at the time of the car crash, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Even if the car crash was your fault, workers’ comp benefits will pay for medical bills and loss of income. If you have trouble filing a claim or have questions about a claim, you can talk with your car accident lawyer.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
You may want to consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. A car accident is a traumatic event. You may experience PTSD, depression, and anxiety after a car accident. These conditions could be worse because of the stress of dealing with your employer.
Protect Your Legal Options and Best Interests After a Car Accident
You might be tempted to take full responsibility for causing a car crash in a company car. You might feel guilty and believe you deserve to be fired for crashing the car. However, you should not admit fault or trust your employer’s insurance company or attorney without seeking legal counsel yourself.
What happened is tragic, and it could be your fault. Before accepting responsibility for the crash, talk with a car accident lawyer. An attorney gives you an honest assessment, explains your legal options, and provides support as you decide the best way to handle a crash in a company car.