What to do after a car accident
Being involved in a car accident can be emotionally stressful, so it’s important to have a clear head and know how to respond. We’ve put together a checklist of things to do and when to do them, starting with the immediate safety steps right through to practical steps to take to help ensure a smooth resolution when it comes to car accident claims.
4-minute read
What you'll learn
- What to do immediately after the car accident
- When you need to call the police (and when you don’t)
- Why making note of details is important
- Steps to lodging a car accident claim with your insurance provider
- Why car insurance can help reduce your stress
Step 1: Secure the situation
Your main concern in the moments after an accident should always be to make sure everyone involved is safe and well. If anyone is injured, you need to call 000 immediately.
If you’re wondering what to do if you have a minor car accident, as long as it is safe to do so, you should move vehicles out of the way and turn on your hazard lights to minimise the chances of any further collisions.
When to call emergency services
The NSW Roads and Maritime services suggest that you should call the police in certain circumstances so they can attend and investigate the crash. These circumstances could include:
- When a person is trapped, killed or injured
- If any driver is believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Should a person fail to stop or exchange information
- If the police are needed to direct traffic or deal with hazards
What about in other states? You should check with the relevant government department where you live to understand the situations they recommend you should call the police.
If it is unsafe to drive your vehicle, you may need to arrange a tow truck. You can do this yourself, but you can also ask your insurer to arrange one – as long as it is covered as part of your policy.
Step 2: Collect and exchange details at the scene
Once the accident scene is secured, and while everything is still fresh in your mind, it’s a good idea to make a note of as many details as possible, like:
- the date, time and exact location of the accident
- the speed you think you were driving at
- the weather conditions
- anything else that you think may have contributed to the accident.
You will likely need to share this information with the Police if they attend the scene.
You should record the make and model of any vehicles involved in the accident, plus their vehicle registration plate. It’s a good idea to take photos of the vehicles involved, plus any damage caused to vehicles and property, and the road conditions at the time of the accident.
Another important thing to remember is to share information with those involved in the accident. Take down things like names, addresses and phone numbers of the drivers, plus their insurance policy details. If there are any witnesses, you should also politely ask for their contact details as witness statements may be useful when it comes to making a car accident insurance claim.
IMPORTANT: Stick to the facts
Even if there’s no doubt who is at fault, the ultimate decision will be up to the authorities (if they were engaged), and the decision to pay any claim will sit with your insurance provider. When talking to the police or other parties, only provide objective details and don’t point the finger.
Step 3: Contact your insurance provider
Once everyone is safe and you have exchanged details with those involved, or anyone who witnessed the event, the next thing to do is let your insurer know, even if the accident seems minor.
Your insurance company will walk you through the process of filing a car accident insurance claim, giving you details about what you’ll need including documents like a police report, statements from witnesses and any applicable medical records (as long as the information may legally be shared).
If you provide your insurer with the information you collected at the scene, and the photos you took, they can start assessing your car accident insurance claim. They will let you know if they need any further information to assist the claim. The outcome of the car accident claim will depend on the type of insurance you hold, whether or not the other driver is insured, and who was at fault.
No matter how minor, being involved in a car accident can be very stressful. As long as you stay calm and follow the clear and practical guidelines above, you’ll be well-equipped with the necessary steps to take.
Do you need car insurance?
Having car insurance won’t stop you being involved in an accident, but it may help cover you financially if your vehicle is damaged or if you damage someone else’s vehicle or property.
Westpac Car Insurance is provided by Allianz, and comes in two types. The insurance you choose will depend on your personal situation, your vehicle and what you need. It’s a good idea to explore your options before making a decision.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance. Cover for a range of incidents, including accidental loss (including theft) or damage to your vehicle, even if you're at fault, or if it's stolen. Read more.
- Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance. Cover for loss of or damage to someone else’s property where you are at fault, including legal liability of up to $20 million. Read more.
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Things you should know
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