Question from a reader:
If I cause a traffic accident, can I keep it a secret from my company? Also, am I obligated to report it? I’ve heard that some companies require reporting even for ordinary accidents, but what is the reality?

Obligation to Report Traffic Accidents to the Company

If I cause a traffic accident, can I keep it a
secret from my company? And is there an obligation to report it? Many people have such questions, and it is particularly important for young professionals. I myself have experienced a traffic accident in the past, and during that time, I often thought about the laws and company policies. Based on that experience, I would like to consider this issue from a specific legal perspective.

Types of Traffic Accidents and Their Impact on the Company

First, there are several types of traffic accidents: single-vehicle accidents, collisions with other vehicles, and personal injury accidents. The obligation to report to the company may vary depending on the type of accident. Generally, it can be said that accidents occurring during work hours create an obligation to report to the company. For example, if you cause an accident while traveling with a client during work, this is clearly related to your job, so reporting to the company is essential. On the other hand, if you cause an accident while traveling privately, the obligation to report becomes a bit ambiguous. However, depending on the company’s regulations, you may still be required to report accidents that occur in your personal life, so caution is necessary.

Company Regulations and Reporting Obligations

In practice, it depends on the company’s work regulations and guidelines from in-house lawyers. Many companies typically require reporting of accidents, even if they occur privately, under certain conditions. For instance, if you sustain physical injuries due to a traffic accident or cause damage to another party, reporting is usually required. Additionally, if the company has its own insurance, reporting the accident may be necessary for claiming insurance benefits. Understanding this background and checking your company’s regulations is crucial. Attempting to hide an accident without knowing your workplace’s policies could lead to future troubles.

Risks of Concealment and Psychological Aspects

Humans often have a psychological tendency to want to hide failures or problems. Especially for young employees, the fear of how their superiors and colleagues will perceive them may make them reluctant to report an accident. However, the risks of concealment are significant. If it is discovered that you hid an accident, you could face disciplinary action. Additionally, it could damage the company’s trust in you. I personally felt very anxious when I caused an accident. I worried about taking responsibility and how others would perceive me, but ultimately, I chose to report honestly. I feel that this choice contributed to my own mental stability.

Considerations from Specific Examples and Legal Perspectives

Legally, if you cause an accident, an obligation to report arises if certain conditions are met. For example, if there is a claim for damages against the other party involved in the accident, reporting is mandatory. Furthermore, if the traffic accident occurred during work, considerations for workers’ compensation insurance must also be taken into account. In this case, failing to report could risk the ability to claim workers’ compensation. Let’s consider a specific case. Person A works in sales and caused an accident while on a business trip. Since they injured the other party, Person A reported the accident to the company. The company processed it as an accident that occurred during work and handled the workers’ compensation insurance procedures. If they had not reported it, Person A might have had to bear their own medical expenses.

Final Summary and Personal Opinion

Whether to report a traffic accident to the company depends on the type of accident and the company’s regulations. However, it is essential to understand that there is often an obligation to report. Attempting to conceal an accident can lead to legal risks and damage trust within the company, so I believe it is preferable to report honestly. Based on my own experience, I think reporting an accident should be done promptly. This can reduce mental burdens and help find a path to resolving issues. From both legal and psychological perspectives, I want to emphasize that honesty is the most crucial element. This concludes my thoughts on traffic accidents and the obligation to report to the company. Accidents are unavoidable, but by addressing them appropriately, future troubles can be prevented. If you cause an accident, I hope you can calmly assess the situation and choose the right course of action.