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What to do following an accident

Step 1

Keep calm, don’t admit fault & never agree not to report the accident

Step 2

Take photos and notes of the accident & exchange information

Step 3

Take down details of any witnesses and report the accident to the Police & insurer

Step 4

Contact Crash-Support.com now to find out your rights

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Motor Vehicle Accident Guide

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are some basic things you need to know. Remember Crash Support is here to help. Call us if you need us, there’s no fee payable by you for our help.

Most people are in shock following an accident and it’s sometimes easy to forget what you need to do straight after.

If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident as a driver and passenger or even as a witness you need to try to be calm and take control of what’s happening around you.

First if anyone has been injured or there is a hazard like a fire or oil spill call 000 immediately and ask that the relevant First Responders (police, ambulance and fire brigade) be sent to the scene. You will need to give clear directions to the accident site.

Next make sure everyone is safe; the injured are cared for and comforted as best they can be and no one is at risk of further injury by being trapped inside a motor vehicle.

Once the people are safe make the accident scene safe.

If motor vehicles can be moved then get them to the side of the road with the hazard lights on and mindful of any traffic remove any debris off the road.

If a motor vehicle can’t be moved then if possible park a motor vehicle in front and behind the accident scene with their hazard lights on and people waving traffic down. In this case you should probably call the police on 131 444.

You will also need to call a tow truck company to remove the vehicle from the accident scene. Remember unless there is a direction from the police, a tow truck company may only tow a motor vehicle with the driver’s signed tow authority. If tow trucks arrive unannounced at the accident scene, you’re not obliged to use them.

Immediately following the accident, you need to

1. Get the following information for all the people involved:

  • Full Name
  • Home Address
  • Email Address
  • Phone Numbers
  • Driver’s License Number
  • Their Insurer name & policy number if they have it

2. Take down the details of any witnesses including:

  • Full Name
  • Home Address
  • Email Address
  • Phone Numbers

3. Document and take photos of:

  • The other drivers’ driving licences
  • Any damage to all motor vehicles
  • The accident scene including any intersections, from as many angles as you can

Write it down or save it on your mobile phone. Just make sure you keep it safe.

You need to report the accident to:

  • The Police
  • Your Insurer

You should never agree not to report the accident to either of the above.. If you do, you risk the other driver avoiding their responsibilities & even police prosecution. It can only be a bad thing for you for many reasons. So always report.

The Police

You can report the accident to the Police by calling 000 if it’s urgent or 131444 if it’s not urgent.

You should immediately call the Police if:

  • Someone is injured or dead
  • There is a hazard on the road like an oil spill
  • Public infrastructure like a bridge has been damaged
  • A driver won’t give their ID
  • There is a suspected involvement of drugs alcohol or crime in the accident
  • A motor vehicle needs to be towed from the accident scene
  • Damage to a motor vehicle or property is thought to be $2500 or more.

The Insurer

If you have insurance, try calling your insurer from the accident scene so they can guide you through their preferred process.

Even if no one is hurt or the damage seems minor, contact your insurer just in case the other party makes a claim later.

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