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What You Need to Know After a Wreck or Traffic Accident

<p>If you have ever been in a car accident or witnessed one, you know how traumatic it can be. However, the moments after an accident require prompt action and a clear head. How you handle the situation can be the key difference between a smooth claims process and a complex one. For this reason, we have created this comprehensive guide to help you understand what to do after a wreck so you can be sure you are on the right track.</p><h2>What to Do After a Wreck Immediately</h2><p>The critical moments after an accident define how everything unfolds, which is why you must take these steps following a car accident:</p><h3>Stay Calm and Check for Injuries</h3><ul><li><p>Check if everyone is okay, not just the other drivers involved, but yourself, too.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Try to be as calm as you can, switch off your vehicle, and turn on the hazard lights.</p></li><li><p>If you spot any injuries, immediately call 000 for emergency assistance. This is a mandatory step under Australian law.</p></li></ul><h3>Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Spot</h3><ul><li><p>If your vehicle is still drivable, move it away from the oncoming traffic to ensure there are no further accidents.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>If you cannot move your vehicle, keep the hazard lights on and get away from the flow of traffic.</p></li></ul><h2>Staying Safe After a Traffic Accident</h2><p>After an accident, prioritising your safety is key while you await roadside assistance. Here is what to do to ensure this:</p><h3>Secure the Accident Scene</h3><ul><li><p>Clear any large debris from the vehicles involved.</p></li><li><p>If it is a minor car accident and there is no significant damage or debris, leave everything as it is until all the necessary documentation is done.</p></li></ul><h3>Prevent Secondary Crashes</h3><ul><li><p>Use hand signals from a safe distance to warn oncoming drivers.</p></li><li><p>Keep your car’s hazard lights on.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Instruct the drivers and passengers involved to stay away from the road.&nbsp;</p></li></ul><h2>Document the Wreck Properly</h2><p>Once everyone is safe and you have called for roadside assistance, the next and very critical step is to document the accident scene. If you faced damage and need to make a claim, the quality of your evidence will decide how it proceeds. Here is what to do after a traffic accident for your <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/understanding-car-insurance-claims-in-australia" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><u>car insurance claim</u></a>:</p><h3>Take Photos and Videos</h3><ul><li><p>Clear pictures and videos of the vehicles involved in the accident, their licence plates, skid marks, and the surrounding area</p></li><li><p>Wide-angle shots and close-ups of the damage to both your own vehicle and the vehicles involved</p></li></ul><h3>Record Location, Time, and Damage</h3><ul><li><p>Clearly jot down the name of the street, the time, and the date of the accident.</p></li><li><p>Note down the weather and road conditions—take pictures or videos if you can.</p></li><li><p>Record the damages on the vehicles, as these will act as evidence for your insurance claim.</p></li></ul><h3>Capture Wider Road Conditions</h3><ul><li><p>Take photos and videos of the surrounding traffic signs.</p></li><li><p>Make a note of the traffic light status at the time of the accident, if you can.</p></li><li><p>Take photos of skid marks, oil or fluid leakage, and public property damage.</p></li></ul><h2>Exchange Information With the Other Driver</h2><p>As per the protocols for insurance in Australia, you must provide the other driver’s details, as well as their insurance company information. Even if you do not have a car insurance policy, these details will help you receive fair compensation and even get a hire car if eligible.&nbsp;</p><p>Make sure to exchange the following with the other driver:</p><ul><li><p>Full name, contact number, and address</p></li><li><p>Full name and contact details of the driver, if they are different from the owner’s</p></li><li><p>The vehicle registration number, model, and make</p></li><li><p>The other driver’s insurer name, the car insurance policy, compulsory third-party (CTP) coverage, third-party property damage coverage, and relevant insurance details</p></li></ul><h2>Report the Accident the Right Way</h2><p>If there are any injuries, you must report the car accident to the local authorities. While minor accidents do not require a police report, the following situations do:</p><ul><li><p>If the accident results in injuries or someone’s death</p></li><li><p>If there has been any damage to public property (third-party property damage)</p></li><li><p>If the at-fault driver appears to be under the influence</p></li><li><p>If the other drivers do not provide their car insurance details&nbsp;</p></li></ul><h2>Contact Your Insurance Company</h2><p>After you have reported the accident, contact your insurance company as soon as you can. The sooner you do, the quicker they can start your claims process.&nbsp;</p><p>However, take note that if a driver is at fault, they should contact their insurance company soon after the accident. On the other hand, if a driver is not at fault, they can speak directly with their insurance company to get a choice of repairers to get their vehicle fixed. In the meantime, Right2Drive can help them with a like-for-like replacement vehicle while their car is being repaired.&nbsp;</p><h2>Check If You Are Eligible for an Accident Replacement Car</h2><p>As per Australian law, not-at-fault drivers are entitled to an accident replacement vehicle to stay mobile. If you are confident that you did not cause the car accident, contact a replacement car provider to <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/am-i-eligible" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><u>check your eligibility</u></a>.</p><p>At Right2Drive, we help eligible drivers uphold their right to a replacement vehicle. We review every application and approve it within 24-48 hours so that a replacement vehicle can be provided as soon as possible.</p><h2>How Right2Drive Helps You After a Wreck</h2><p>Knowing what to do when you get into an accident is essential, and taking quick action can go a long way in getting you the assistance you deserve. If your vehicle is immobilised or requires repairs after the crash, Right2Drive ensures that your daily life remains unaffected through:</p><ul><li><p>A simple, three-step process with no unnecessary paperwork</p></li><li><p>Convenient vehicle delivery to your preferred location</p></li><li><p>Immediate delivery to the accident site in case your vehicle is undrivable (subject to eligibility)</p></li><li><p>Direct communication with the at-fault driver’s insurer for the recovery of the replacement car’s costs</p></li></ul><h2>When Right2Drive Can Provide a Hire Car After a Minor or Major Wreck</h2><p>With Right2Drive, not-at-fault drivers can request a replacement vehicle after any accident, whether minor or major, when:</p><ul><li><p>The accident involved at least one other vehicle</p></li><li><p>The other driver involved accepts that they were at fault</p></li><li><p>You have the at-fault driver and their insurance company’s details</p></li><li><p>Your car is undrivable (If you are not at fault, our team can guide you on this)</p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><u>Right2Drive</u></a> strives to deliver customer-friendly services that seamlessly restore mobility after accidents. If you are a not-at-fault driver and wondering what to do when you get into a car accident, contact our team for help.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><h3>What Is the First Thing to Do After a Wreck?&nbsp;</h3><p>The very first thing to do is stay calm and ensure everyone’s safety. Check for injuries, and if there are any, report the accident to the police.</p><h3>Can I Drive My Car After a Minor Wreck?</h3><p>Yes. If your car has suffered minor damage but is still working fine, you can drive it. Make sure to first check if you have sustained any injuries.</p><h3>How Long Do I Have to Report a Traffic Accident to My Insurer?</h3><p>While immediate reporting (typically within the first 48-72 hours) is recommended, your car insurance policy will specify the duration within which you should report the accident.&nbsp;</p><h3>How Do I Document a Traffic Accident Properly?</h3><p>Take clear pictures and videos of the accident scene and the damage. Note the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as gather the other driver’s details and their insurer’s information. If witnesses are present, collect their statements, too.</p><h3>How Can I Handle a Minor Wreck Without Stress?</h3><p>Being prepared is the best way to handle minor wrecks without stressing out. Stay calm, follow the procedures mentioned here, and strictly focus on three things: ensuring everyone’s safety, documenting the accident, and reporting it if needed. Do not admit fault and let the authorities step in.</p><p></p><div class="__editor_html"><script type="application/ld+json">
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What You Need to Know After a Wreck or Traffic Accident

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