Subject: Co-worker Accident in the Parking Lot
Today at work, I learned that my car was hit in the parking lot. Apparently, one of my coworkers backed into it while parking. I managed to get her insurance information and license plate, and she has offered to pay for the damages out of pocket (up to $1,000, it seems). However, she was quite confrontational during our conversation and insisted that I wasn’t interested in hearing her side of the story. I’m feeling a bit unsure about how to proceed. Any advice would be appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about the situation with your car. It sounds frustrating, especially since it involves a coworker. Here are a few steps you might consider:
Stay Calm: It’s important to remain calm and professional, especially since you’ll continue to work with this person.
Document Everything: Take pictures of the damage to your car and any relevant details (like the area where the incident happened). Document your conversation with her as well.
Insurance Details: Since you’ve obtained her insurance information, it might be worthwhile to contact her insurance company as well. This way, you’ll have options in case the damage exceeds $1,000 or if there are complications later.
Get a Quote for Repairs: Get an estimate for the repairs to your car to see if it fits within the $1,000 she’s offering. That way, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to proceed.
Consider Involving HR: If her behavior was confrontational or disrespectful, and you feel uncomfortable, it might be best to inform HR about the incident. This can help in case any further issues arise.
Keep Communication Open: If you decide to settle out of pocket, keep lines of communication open but remain professional. Be clear about expectations regarding payment and timelines.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies regarding workplace accidents and parking lot incidents, just in case you need to refer to them later.
Ultimately, you want to resolve the situation efficiently while maintaining a good working relationship if possible. Good luck!