Accident Helpline
Accidents are traumatic, so what do you do after a car accident?
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It’s no surprise that after an accident you’re a little confused about what are the next steps and especially if it wasn’t your fault. Well, take a deep breath and then follow these simple steps about what to do after a car accident.
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Step 1
What to do directly after the accident.
Stop and switch of the vehicle
The first thing to do if the car isn’t stationery is stopping the car safely and make sure you switch off the engine and remove the keys.
Take a deep breath and stay calm
Emotions can understandably be running high, so take a moment to compose yourself.
Check for injuries
Check yourself, your passengers and anyone else for any injuries as a result of the accident. If necessary, call an ambulance.
Don’t admit fault or apologise
It may sound crazy, but even a simple apology can be used later as an admission of fault. Always be polite, but under no circumstances apologise or admit fault.
Step 2
When to call the police
It’s recommended that no matter the circumstance, the police are made aware of a car accident asap after the incident. A common misunderstanding when people aren’t sure of what to do in a car accident is how and when should the police be brought into the situation.
When to call 131 444
In some cases, the Police Assistance Line is a better option. This will connect you directly to the local police in the area. These include:
- To provide safety, medical care or to protect the scene
- To assist with investigating the collision
- If you suspect the collision was intentional
- If the other driver is uninsured
- If the other driver is under the influence of any kind
- If the other driver fled the scene after the collision
When NOT to call 131 444
- No medical care required
- No investigation necessary
- Collision was an accident
- All parties are insured
- No drivers are under the influence
- All drivers present
If the collision doesn’t require you to call 131 444 the best course of action is to notify your local police station within 24 hours of the incident. You can do this by:
- Reporting the collision online
- Reporting the collision at your local station
Step 3
Exchange your details at the scene of the accident.
Once the initial shock has subsided and everyone is safe, it is a legal requirement for both drivers to exchange details. This is very important for a successful non-fault claim. These details must include the following::
- Full name
- Home address
- Telephone number(s)
- Vehicle registration number
- Details of the vehicle’s registered owner (if different from the driver)
It’s also wise to note down the other driver’s insurance company details. This can be handy if you have trouble getting in touch with the driver later on. Remember to both collect the other driver’s details and provide your own. It’s an offence not to share your details after a car accident. Failing to do so could not only land you in hot water but might also affect any accident claim you make later.
For a smooth claims process later on, keep the details you’ve collected safe. If you can, save them electronically by sending yourself an email or saving them on your smart phone. While it’s always good to have a paper and pen for things like sketches paper can get lost or damaged easily. So, it’s best to take photos and keep a backup.
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Passenger and witness details
Exchanging details with the other driver alone is sometimes not enough. Ensure that all details are exchanged with any and all passengers; both from your own vehicle and importantly from the third-party vehicle as well. To help build your claim once you have left the road traffic accident scene, witnesses are very important to the success and evidence. If you have a witness, ensure you collect the witness’s details in full.
No passengers or witnesses?
If you don’t have a witness right now, consider asking any passers-by if they will accompany you as a witness. This will be while you gather evidence of who is at fault, followed by accurate and detailed facts about the accident itself.
Step 4
What information and evidence you need to collect at the scene of the accident.
Recording detailed information related to an accident is crucial for establishing evidence to unequivocally prove you were not at fault. TIP: For any potential future incidents, we recommend keeping a small notepad in your vehicle at all times.
Third-party
vehicle’s details
Take note of all third-party vehicles involved, including make, model, colour, year and registration plate.
Photographs of
both vehicles
Take photographs, and if possible, videos, of the damage and positions of all vehicles.
Photos of
accident scene
Take photographs and videos of the vehicles, accident scene and surrounding areas.
Photographs
of conditions
Try to fully capture the driving conditions, including lighting, surface quality, weather and so on.
Video
commentary
Create a ‘commentary video’ explaining exactly what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Time and date
of the accident
Take a note of the exact time and date of the accident and events preceding.
Any and
all injuries
Make a note of anyone injured during the incident and those unharmed.
Witness
comments
Ask witnesses for a detailed report and note this down. Ask them to sign and date it and collect their details. If you don’t have a pen and paper record it on your smartphone.
