University officers, employees, and agents who have a completed Vehicle Use Agreement, meet the University’s minimum driving standards, and are approved to perform University business in accordance with SYS 615, the Vehicle Use and Driver Authorization Policy.
Vehicle Accident Reporting
In the event of a vehicle accident or incident occurring during university business, students, faculty, and staff are required to follow the step-by-step guidance outlined in the Crash Response Plan. This plan prioritizes the safety of all individuals involved and provides additional instructions on documentation, information gathering, and timely notification of the appropriate UW-Whitewater units.
If an injury occurs at the scene of the accident, contact Emergency Services by calling 9-1-1 immediately. Questions regarding the reporting process may be directed to the Office of Compliance and Risk Management at ocrm@uww.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step #1: Move to a Safe Location and Contact Emergency Services
- If possible, move the state/university owned vehicle out of traffic to a safe location.
- If the vehicle cannot be moved, all vehicle occupants must relocate to a safe area away from traffic.
- Call 9-1-1, wait for emergency responders to come and allow them to document the crash, injuries and scene conditions.
Step #2: Complete Required On-Scene Documentation
- Complete the Vehicle Accident/Incident Report Form.
- Obtain the police report number and later request a copy of the full report.
- Exchange names, phone numbers and insurance details between all parties involved in the accident.
- Capture photos and/or videos to show the extent of vehicle damage(s), vehicle positions, road conditions and relevant road signages.
- Identify witnesses, receive a statement from them and ask for their contact information.
Step #3: Provide Factual Information to Emergency Services, Law Enforcement and Other Involved Parties
- Remain calm and professional when speaking with first responders and others involved in the accident/incident.
- Provide objective, factual details only. Do not apologize, accept blame or make statements that imply liability.
- Allow law enforcement to conduct a full investigation.
All vehicle accidents or incidents occurring during university business must be reported to the appropriate UW-Whitewater office within 24 hours. For more information on which office to contact, please refer to the “What UW-Whitewater unit should I report the accident to?” section below.
- A completed Vehicle Accident/Incident Report Form
- The police report number (and a copy of the report when available)
- Photos and/or videos of the vehicle damage, vehicle positions, road conditions and signage
- Contact information and statements from any witnesses
Submit the completed Vehicle Accident/Incident Report Form, police report, photos and videos within 24 hours of the accident/incident to the one of the following offices:
- Accidents that involve employees or student employees should be sent to Human Resources at hr@uww.edu or 262-472-1024.
- Accidents that involve students or campus guests should be sent to the Office of Compliance and Risk Management (OCRM) at ocrm@uww.edu or 262-472-1772.
The Crash Response Plan applies to university-owned, state-owned, rental, or personally owned vehicles operated by UW-Whitewater students, faculty, and staff while engaged in official university business.
If you are using a personal vehicle for authorized university business, your personal auto insurance serves as the primary coverage. The State of Wisconsin will provide excess liability coverage only.
Proof of insurance meeting the minimum required limits of $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 total bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 property damage per accident must be carried and available at the time of the accident.
Yes.
All vehicle accidents or incidents occurring during university business must be reported, even if there are no apparent injuries or minimal damages. Prompt reporting helps ensure proper documentation and protects both the involved individuals and the university.