Accidents happen, even to the most experienced drivers. When a car crash leads to a passenger injury, what should your driver do? First and foremost, they need to call the authorities and make sure that the patient is as safe as possible and that the scene is secure and safe. After this, they can start documenting the scene and sending out the appropriate notifications, including those to your insurance company.
These post-incident processes need to be so ingrained in your drivers that they’re able to do them automatically, especially in a potentially dangerous situation, like a traffic accident. What does the ideal process look like? Here’s a breakdown.
First 5 Minutes: Safety and Medical Care
A good response plan places the primary focus on the first five minutes after the accident. After all, these are the most crucial. Your driver needs to make sure that the scene of the accident is secure, as well as turn on their hazard lights. From there, they need to do a quick danger assessment to see if they need to get everyone out of the vehicle asap. After this, they need to check on the passengers, call 911 to report the accident, and make sure they do not move any passengers who may be injured.
Passenger Care and Communication
Speaking of passengers, your driver needs to keep them calm. They need to stay seated, unless there’s an immediate danger, like fire, and monitor them, especially if their caregiver is not present. No matter what, when notifying the caregivers, a facility, or even when addressing the passengers, do not allow your driver to admit fault or speculate on the cause of the accident. Just stick to the facts.
Document What Matters
After the caregivers and facilities have been alerted, it’s time for your driver to document everything that matters. Doing this while it’s still fresh in their mind will ensure that the facts are as correct as possible. Consider having your driver cover these specific points in their documentation:
- Time, location, weather, road conditions
- Passenger info: names, where seated, whether mobility aids were used
- Securement details: tie-down points, occupant restraints, lift use (if applicable)
- Photos: vehicles, damage, license plates, scene, road signs, any hazards
- Witness names and contact info
- Other driver info and insurance details (for auto accidents)
- A clear timeline of the accident and everything that occurred
Notify Supervisors
Once the accident and everything surrounding it is documented, your driver then needs to call you or their immediate supervisor. They need to be informed about whether or not the vehicle is disabled and another is needed, as well as the details surrounding the accident so that they can contact your NEMT insurance provider.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about insurance coverage for your NEMT business and related vehicles? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your business needs.