Steps to Follow After a Car Accident
Being in a car accident is a scary experience whether you’re at fault or not at fault. In the shock of the moment, it can be hard to think about what you need to do. We’ve put together a list to help you after a minor car accident or a major car crash, including car park accidents and a traffic crash.
Make sure you stop immediately –
The law in Australia states that regardless of whether you’re at fault in an accident or the not at fault driver, you need to stop right away. This not only applies to cars, but to other road users like cyclists, motor scooters and horse-drawn vehicles. If you don’t stop after an accident, fail to assist people, or refuse to exchange information, the police can charge you for these offences.
Stop in a safe place (if possible) –
If your car is driveable and you’re able to move it, you should make sure it’s not in the way of any other cars and doesn’t become a hazard to other road users. Then, get out of the car and assess the vehicle damage and the place where the incident occurred. Then, check for any signs of injuries. Call emergency services immediately for medical attention. Meanwhile, don’t forget to turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights if you’re unable to move your car. It’s also a good idea to put up a portable warning triangle if you have one. If your car is causing a road blockage, you should call the police to assist you.
Check that nobody is injured –
Depending on the severity of the accident, injuries could range from bruising and whiplash to more serious injuries. If there were people in the car with you or with the other driver, check that they’re okay too. If anybody is seriously injured, make sure you call 000 and request an ambulance. You should also report the accident to the police if someone is trapped, injured or there are hazards like leaking fluids present. Remember, a detailed police report is mandatory to file a car insurance claim. So, after emergency services, call the police. They will assess the crash scene, gather the personal details of the drivers involved, witness statements, and other information, and make a report.
Avoid tampering with the accident scene –
An accident scene can become a crime scene if someone is seriously injured or if somebody dies. It’s important not to move anything that could be considered evidence. Even if you’re the not at fault driver in an accident, you could still create issues for yourself if you tamper with accident scene.
Stay calm –
It’s natural for your emotions to be running high after a car accident, especially when it’s not your fault. But it’s important that you react in a calm way and remain composed at the crash scene – aggressive behaviour is not only unhelpful but could also get you into legal trouble. If the other driver is being aggressive or refuses to exchange information with you, you should call the police.
Exchange Details –
Once you’ve made sure that everyone is safe and uninjured, you need to exchange information. This is required by law, and you should involve the police if at any point the at fault driver refuses to cooperate. Sure, the police officer will make notes of the accident, but you should also collect information about the other parties to file a car insurance claim. Be sure to take the license plate numbers of all the cars involved and the contact information of the witnesses. This will help your insurance company to investigate and take proper legal action.
Also, make sure you get the following information from the at fault driver:
- Their name and surname
- Their contact number and residential address
- Their driver’s licence number and the state of issue
- Their car registration number and insurance information
- The make, model, and colour of their car.
You should also collect the accident details including the date and time it happened, and the address where it occurred.
Take photos and record videos–
Take ample photos and videos of the crash scene, your own car, and the vehicles involved. Take closer shots of all the injuries you sustained from the accident and keep them as records of evidence for insurance claims. Taking photos and recording videos is important to serve as evidence of the damage to your car and personal injuries. If you’re planning on claiming insurance when not at fault, you’ll need to have this type of evidence.
Collect witness statements –
If you are able to get the names and contact details of witnesses, this could make the insurance claim process for car accidents simpler for you.
Make plans to have your car towed (if necessary) –
If your car is undriveable or unroadworthy, you’ll need to arrange a towing service for your vehicle. If you’re the not at fault driver, Right2Drive can help you to arrange a towing service* and book you an Uber at no cost to you. We can also deliver an accident loan car to you at the scene of the accident, pending staff availability.
*We can assist by providing guidance on how you can arrange a towing service in Victoria.
Get Medically Examined and Call Right2Drive –
Injured or not, seek medical attention. Injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries do not display immediate symptoms. A comprehensive check-up early will help you file a proper claim. Once the medical records are in place, contact Right2Drive for further guidance.
If you were not at fault, we may be able to provide you with an accident loan car where the costs are covered by the at fault party or their insurer. No insurance and not at fault? Right2Drive may still be able to assist you even if you don’t have car insurance. As long as you meet our eligibility criteria and you’re the not at fault driver, we could get you into a hire car after an accident.
At Right2Drive, we exist to uphold the rights of not at fault drivers in Australia and New Zealand. Get in touch with us to see if we can assist you with a not at fault rental car.
Do I need car insurance?
Getting involved in a car accident case is unfortunate and can happen to even the best drivers. However, the important thing is to know how to stay secure even after a car crash and protect your legal rights and physical well-being. And one way to get this safety net is through car insurance.
Buying car insurance coverage is mandatory for all car drivers in Australia, specifically Compulsory Third-Party insurance (CTP). A CTP insurance, also known as green slip, can protect you from financial losses in accidents, robberies, or sudden fires and major compensation claims if you injure or accidentally kill someone. It’s practically illegal to drive a car in Australia without a CTP. In case you meet with an accident and don’t have CTP insurance, you will be personally liable for all damages and injuries to others on the road.
The CTP charges are usually included in the car registration cost, except in New South Wales, where you will have to pay for them separately.
Besides CTP, you can also get comprehensive car insurance to cover all injuries and losses, including property damages caused by you. Of course, you will find various options and differences between insurers, but their coverage will depend on your chosen insurance policy. You can use the amount for your vehicle or bear the damages of third parties caused by you.
Remember, the right insurance provider will save you from the financial consequences of accidents and help you get back on the road with confidence. Thus, when selecting an insurer, compare them based on the premium, excess, payment, exclusions, no-claim bonus, break-ins, roadside assistance, and after-accident care. For further assistance, you will always find Right2Drive by your side. We are active 24/7 at your beck and call.
