Checklist of things you need to do when involved in a car accident
A car accident can leave you dazed and confused. Here is how you can ensure that you don't miss any important things that you need to note when involved in an accident.
It is that time of the year where many lives are lost on the roads due to car accidents.
READ: Flooded roads result in accidents and traffic in KZN
Some of the major contributions of road accidents are driving under the influence of alcohol, using a cellphone while driving, speeding, red light jumping, and reckless driving.
Unfortunately, even if you drive safely, you are not alone on the road, and someone else can cause an accident.
In case you find yourself in an accident, this is what you need to do:
READ: Govt to make adjustments to Road Accident Fund model
- Stop your car immediately
Even if you think it is a minor bump, it is important to stop your car and evaluate it thoroughly. Some people make the mistake of thinking it was a minor bump only to later find out that the accident altered another part of the car. So it is important to do a proper evaluation.
- Call an ambulance if there is anyone who is injured on the scene
Because you are not a health professional, you shouldn't try to perform first aid on any injured people. Otherwise, you could find yourself in trouble with the law. Rather call an ambulance.
- Make a record of what transpired
Using your cellphone, take a video and photos of the accident scene. You will need to present this to your insurance company as proof.
You also need to record what transpired before and after the accident.
- Move your car out of the road
If no one is injured and the car is not in a critical condition, you can remove it from the scene as long as you have taken photos and videos of what transpired. However, if there is a person who is injured, do not remove your car because that would mean you tampered with evidence.
- Get the details of the person involved in the crash
Get the person’s personal details – name, surname, ID number, physical address, email address, and driver’s licence details.
- Get details of the vehicle
Write down the number plate, license disk, make, colour, and model of the car that you are involved in an accident with.
- Take the details of the witnesses
You will need witnesses for your case, just in case the two of you have different versions of what transpired at the accident scene.
- Call the police
Don’t allow the person to leave without offering your statement and theirs to the police. If there is a police station nearby, the two of you can drive to the station to offer the statement. Remember, you need to report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
- Don't allow your car to be towed by unauthorised towing companies
If the accident is serious and you need your car to be towed, be cautious of the vehicles that come to tow away your car. You must only allow tow trucks that work with your insurance company.
- Report the accident to your insurance company
Whether you plan to claim or not, it is crucial that you still report the accident to your insurance company.
Please remember to memorise the contact details of your insurance company just in case you lose your cellphone and personal belongings at the accident scene. Having the numbers stored in your memory will make it easier to contact them using any other person’s cellphone.