What to do if you are in a car accident

It’s something we never want to be involved in, but road statistics show its likely to happen at some point in your life; being involved in a car accident.

While you are dealing with the shock of the situation it pays to know what you need to do. Here are some tips to help.

How to make the area safe

• First turn on your hazard lights. 
• Check that everyone involved in the crash is ok. Apply first aid if needed or call for help of emergency services.
• Move your car out of the way of traffic,  if it is possible, but only if safe to do so.

Should you call the police?

You need to report any crash to police for any of the following reasons, but it does vary state by state, so get to know your local laws:

• If one of the parties in the crash doesn’t give their details or the driver or flees the scene.
• If someone has been injured, trapped or killed.
• If someone involved is believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or has been behaving aggressively.
• The damage bill would exceed $2500.
• If there are hazards on the road following the crash, including leaking fluids or damage to power poles.
• Any of the cars involved require towing.

If it is not an emergency call Policelink on 131 444 instead of 000. Some crashes can be reported to the nearest police station or online, within 24 hours of the incident. In NSW, if any of the vehicles involved require towing but police haven’t attended the scene, you can report the crash via the Police Assistance Line 131 444. Same applies if medical treatment is sought after the crash but not realised at the time.

What details should you exchange / take note of?

Here’s a list of what you need to swap with the other driver

• Full name
• Drivers licence number
• Phone Number
• Address
• Make, model and rego

Getting all this information can save you having problems with your insurance company.

If there are any witnesses it pays to get their details too.

Use your mobile phone to take photos of the damage, to both vehicles, and the surrounding area. Include any skid marks on the road or any damage to property, such as fences.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. This could be at the scene if you require towing. If you do require towing it is your responsibly, however the insurance may have a preferred supplier.

We hope you never need this list but it might pay to print this out and put it in your glovebox, just in case.

Have you ever been involved in a major car accident? Did you know what to do?