Follow the directions for an easy road ahead
We want to take the stress out of an incredibly stressful situation. So, here’s what to do in the event of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Share the details and let us get to work.
Follow the directions for an easy road ahead
We want to take the stress out of an incredibly stressful situation. So, here’s what to do in the event of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Share the details and let us get to work.
Step 1
What to do directly after the accident.
Stop the
vehicle safely
If the car isn’t stationary, stop the car safely by switching off the engine and removing the keys.
Compose
yourself
Understandably, you may be shocked and dazed, so take a deep breath and remain calm.
Assess
injuries
Inspect yourself and anyone else involved for any injuries. You may need to call an ambulance
Don’t admit liability
or say sorry
Always be polite, but never apologise or admit fault.
Step 2
When to call the police
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.
After all parties have assessed the situation and you are 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)
Also be sure to note down the other driver’s insurance company details. This can be handy if you have trouble contacting the driver later on. Always collect both 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 affect your claim.
For an uneventful road ahead, keep all details safe. Saving photos or details digitally via email or phone ensures you have a permanent record that can’t be lost or damaged.
Call our expert claims team now on
Share the details and let us get to work.
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
Collect information and evidence at the scene of the accident.
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.
