His 'Claim' to Fame is Saving Money

L to R: Accident Investigator Walter Dobson, District Manager Jeffery Taylor and Manager, Operations Programs Support Janice Atherly. Photo: Gale Jackson

An accident investigation can be likened to a jigsaw puzzle. And putting together the pieces is just what Walter A. Dobson does for a living.

Dobson’s outstanding analytical ability and communications skills --- along with the tools of the trade (camera, crayon, and measuring wheel to name a few) --- have helped him identify the relevant pieces to get the whole picture in accident investigations. Dobson is credited with saving millions of dollars for the U.S. Postal Service, primarily the South Florida District. In FY14, Dobson single-handedly processed 741 total accident reports and 240 tort claims.

Dobson began in 34-year postal career as a mechanic at the Miami Vehicle Maintenance Facility and now as Accident Investigator/Tort Claims Coordinator, has overall responsibility for the district’s Accident Investigation Program. He initiates, reviews and/or analyzes reports of every accident claim submitted by managers at 187 postal installations. His investigations range from customers tripping over curbs in parking lots to carriers experiencing dog bites --- but the majority of his work involves motor vehicle accidents. Approximately half of the South Florida postal workforce (9,500 total employee complement) use one of 4,966 postal vehicles tractor trailers, 11-ton and 2-ton trucks, carrier vehicles, and administrative vehicles. 

Damage to, or loss of, property or personal injury or death to non-postal personnel caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission by an employee can be costly to USPS. Dobson maintains an excellent rapport with local law enforcement agencies, insurance claims adjusters, claimants and their legal representatives, and witnesses. He reviews each claim with attention to detail and accuracy, and based on dollar figure, is authorized to negotiate and pay claims or make recommends for final adjudication.

When at an accident scene, Dobson carefully examines the vehicle, testing the operation and condition of the brakes, horn, lights, and windshield wipers. On his report, he annotates any safety-related defects, along with an explanation of how the defect may have caused or contributed to the accident. He recreates the scene to observe what drivers may have seen before the accident --- obscured signs, light poles and obstructed views. He also records weather and road conditions.

Dobson also has been an instructor at the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) in Jacksonville, FL for 14 years.