Picture the scene. You’ve been seconded away by the company you work for in order to drum up sales, meet the top brass, or for whatever other reason that your boss has deemed essential to send you away for. However, on this trip, you’ve been involved in a serious accident that you really weren’t expecting. The question that will inevitably arise is how you proceed and who is responsible. The answer might seem obvious; after all, it’s up to your company to foot whatever bill occurs and then reclaim it from the other party. However, as with everything in life, there are nuances that will arise and, in most cases, make the situation far more convoluted than you thought. In this post, we’re going to take a brief look at what you ought to do if you find yourself in this position and are unsure how to proceed.
Consider Hiring A Lawyer To Offer Professional Legal Advice
While you might not immediately have this thought in mind, especially if the accident is severe enough to warrant emergency care, you will eventually have to broach the subject of legal action. According to the partners of this law firm serving the Seattle community, the help of a lawyer could be invaluable in ensuring you receive the correct medical care and that those who were at fault pay the price. Moreover, because this trip occurred during an official business trip, they will also be able to advise you on where you stand legally regarding the company you work for. Because it can be a tricky situation dealing with your employer, you will probably want your lawyer to inform them on your behalf to ensure that everything is done by the book.
Document The Accident As Best You Can
Obviously, if your accident rendered you unconscious or unable to document the accident, then this step isn’t possible. Nonetheless, if you can, then you must make an effort to document as much of the accident scene as possible. This might include photos of your injuries, the general scene, and anything else that is directly or indirectly related to the situation. If you choose to take the legal route and claim for compensation, this evidence could prove indispensable to your case. This will also include keeping all records of any out-of-pocket expenses that you’ve had to pay so that if or when it goes to court, the judge is able to provide you with an amount relevant to your costs.
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Notify Your Employer About The Incident And File An Official Accident Report
Most businesses really ought to have procedures in place to deal with this very situation, particularly if they are large enough to send employees away on business trips. If so, you should notify your employer of what’s happened as soon as you can and inquire about the next steps you need to take. Be aware that if you fail to inform your employer of an accident in a timely manner (if you are able to do so), it could count against you if you pursue litigation, but this is one of the things that you’d consult with your attorney about.
Having an accident isn’t something you want to be involved in, but it can take a decidedly sharp turn if it happens while on a business trip, if only because of the unknowns involved. By notifying your employer promptly and consulting with an attorney, you should be best able to manage the problem.
