Economic Development:

Repairs Costs and Claim Settlement Procedures for Government Vehicles Involved in Accidents

LCD-77-213, Apr 28, 1977

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Statistics relating to several civil and defense agencies' accidents and related repair costs showed weaknesses in reporting procedures and claims processing. One agency reviewed was region 9 of the U.S. Forest Service.

Region 9 forest supervisors did not always file claims against third parties responsible for accident damage to government vehicles. As a result, regional safety and fiscal management offices did not have complete data on the number and cost of accidents.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Secretary of Agriculture should: (1) have the Chief of the Forest Service bring to the attention of all Forest Service regional offices the problem areas found in region 9; (2) request the regional offices to examine their practices and procedures to determine whether similar situations exist; and take whatever action is appropriate in each case to insure that claims against responsible parties are collected and that accident reporting procedures are followed. The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Audit should study other agencies in USDA to see if they are handling vehicle accident repairs and claims according to established procedures.

    Agency Affected:

    Status: Closed

    Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.