You are here: Home > Risk Management – Accidents/Claims > Vehicle Accident Procedures

Vehicle Accident Procedures

 

 

Any accident or incident involving any motor vehicle in use for official state business, regardless of circumstances or amount of damage, must be handled as described below.

Driver’s Responsibilities

At the scene:

(For non-collision incidents, such as dead battery, contact Fleet Services (360-650-4271) for guidance. For all incidents resulting in property damage to a third party or injuries involving any motor vehicle in use for official university business, state drivers are first to assess the situation, and:

  1. Take whatever steps are necessary to prevent further collisions, damage or injury.
  2. Immediately call 911…
  • If there is an injury
  • If there is damage to non-WWU property.
  1. If possible, move the vehicles out of the roadway.
  2. Exchange factual information about yourself and the University vehicle with the other driver(s), e.g., name, agency, phone number, vehicle identification number (VIN), etc. DO NOT DISCUSS OR ADMIT FAULT.
  3. Identify witnesses and obtain addresses and phone numbers.
  4. If any third-party requests information on filing a claim for damages sustained to their vehicle, refer them to the State of Washington: des.wa.gov search “tort claim”
  5. Have the University vehicle towed from the scene if not drivable. Fleet services (360) 650-4271 can assist. Contact rental company for rental cars.
  6. Report the accident/incident to your supervisor as soon as possible.


Afterwards:

  1. Complete the State of Washington Vehicle Accident Report (SF 137) online within 48 hours of the incident.
  2. Within 24 hours, call Fleet Services (360) 650-4271 to report the accident. Leave a message if no answer.
  3. Within two (2) working days, any injured University employees, students or guests, regardless of severity, must complete the WWU Accidental Injury/Occupational Illness Report. This is a multi-purpose WWU Accidental Injury/Occupational Illness Report. Instructions are on the form.
  4. Within four (4) days, if damages to any vehicle exceed $1,000 and there was not law enforcement at the scene of the accident or incident, then the driver must submit a WSP Motor Vehicle Collision Report. Provide completed copies to:
  • WWU Police Department, Campus Services Building, MS-9130 if accident or incident occurred on campus
  • The applicable incorporated city or town police chief, county sheriff or state patrol office as directed on the form
  • WWU Risk Management, Old Main 400A, MS-9044.
  1. If you were driving a rental vehicle, contact rental agency per the instructions on the rental agreement. If you rented from Enterprise, tell them that the vehicle was rented under the state contract. Enterprise assumes all risk of loss or damage to the rental car and provides primary liability insurance coverage for Western and its employees.
  2. If you were driving a personal vehicle, contact your personal auto insurance company.

Supervisor’s Responsibilities

  1. Verify driver completed the above responsibilities.
  2. Review SF 137 for accuracy and completeness. Agree or disagree that drive was acting within his/her scope of duties as an employee, student, etc.
  3. Determine whether the driver meets the state’s Specified Driver criteria and then facilitate required review and driver training.
  4. If necessary, contact WWU Risk Management (360) 650-4634 or WWU Police Department (360) 650-3555 for assistance.

These procedures apply to ALL state vehicles, and privately-owned vehicles or rental vehicles used for official state business. For guidance regarding non-collision incidents, such as a disabled or stuck vehicle call Fleet Services (360) 650-4599.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email