Brought to you by The Shirvanian Law Firm:
Heading off on a business trip offers a change of scenery and an opportunity to build valuable experience out in the field. You might even have time to explore a new city and soak up some culture! However, as with any travel, it’s not without risks. From delayed flights to lost luggage, we’ve all dealt with a few travel-related mishaps. In this article, we’ll focus on what to do if you’re involved in a car accident while traveling for work.
Know the Laws if You’re Out of State
If the accident happens outside your home state, things will likely work a little differently. This is because traffic and insurance laws vary, state by state. Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and avoid confusion or delays. For instance, if you’re driving in California, it would be wise to read up on California’s insurance claims process, especially if you’re handling paperwork from across the country.
1. Make Sure You’re Safe
The moments immediately after an accident are often a blur, as your body is in shock. The single most important thing to remember is your safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Next, get yourselves (and the car, if it’s drivable) to a safe spot that’s out of the way of traffic.
Next, call emergency services, even if the accident seems minor. This crucial step is often overlooked. Once you’ve alerted the authorities, take a moment to breathe – staying calm will help you handle the next steps more clearly.
2. Document Everything
Grab your phone and take photos of the scene. Take shots of the vehicles, including any damage. Also, don’t forget to snap pictures of the road conditions and nearby street signs. Next, swap contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, ask for their details too, along with the attending officer’s name and badge number.
This may be helpful when requesting a copy of the police report later. If your vehicle is undriveable and you need to take a taxi, a local hotel, or a rental car, don’t forget to keep the receipts. You may be able to claim those costs back later.
3. Let Your Employer Know
As soon as you can, let your manager or HR team know what happened. Your company may have travel or accident protocols in place. Also, if you’re driving a company vehicle, the responsibility may fall under a corporate policy. Be sure to alert the correct personnel back at your office so they can help handle things smoothly.
4. Follow Up on the Insurance Side
Most insurance companies have deadlines for filing a claim, so don’t wait around. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, call your own insurer first to tell them what happened. If you were in a rental car, call the rental company to find out what their policy covers. At this stage, it’s important to be thorough and gather as much information as possible.
5. Give Yourself Time to Recover
Accidents can be mentally exhausting, so it’s vital to give yourself the proper time to recover. It’s normal to be shaken up after a crash, even if it was only minor. If you need to, reschedule your meetings and ask colleagues to step in. Your health comes first.
Endnote
When you’re away on a business trip and driving on unfamiliar roads, accidents happen. The key is to stay calm and know what to do. If you drive a lot for work, take this as a sign to review your insurance policy and save some key numbers in your phone. If the unexpected happens, you’ll be thanking yourself for that little bit of preparation.
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