10 Things To Do If You Are In a Car Accident
What if you are in a car accident due to distraction, weather conditions, negligence, drinking, being unlicensed or travelling in a badly maintained taxi.
Let’s face it South Africa has incredibly bad drivers most of whom are uninsured.
Whatever the cause of your accident there are vital procedures that you need to carry out to make sure you and your passengers are safe.
It could happen to anyone.
Things To Do if You are in a Car Accident – Above All Keep calm
Be Safe
The impact of a car hitting you is horrifying. For a couple of seconds afterwards, you could be dazed and confused. Once you realise what’s happened, try to move your car to a safe place as quickly as you can. If it’s not safe or possible to move the car turn on your hazards if they still work. Move to a place of safety immediately.
In a Car accident Try to Keep Calm
Try to stay calm. Take deep breaths and try to gain control of your emotions. The calmer you are, the more ready you’re going to be to deal with the aftermath of the accident.
Call the Police
Once you’re in a safe spot, turn the car off and call for the police. If your car has minor damage stay in the car if it is in a safe place while you wait.
Report the Car Accident
- Be brief and clear when you call the police. While you’re on the phone, tell the dispatcher:
- Your location including road names, road signs and highways. Tell them how many cars have been involved.
- Tell them what happened.
- In a car accident there are bound to be injuries, describe them and those of any passengers and drivers. Try to give as much detail about the incident as you can.
- Remember to give your name and mobile number.
Remain in your Car
It might be tempting to walk around and check on everyone involved in a car accident. But it’s a lot safer to stay off the road – especially at a busy intersection or highway.
Keep to the Facts
Once the police get there, you’ll need to exchange certain information with the other drivers. You’ll want to collect as much information as you can about the other driver/s in order to file the police report and file your insurance claim. Try to always keep a notebook and pen in your cubby hole.
Ask the other driver their name, address details, contact details, Insurance company and insurance number, take the license plate number, note the make, model and year of their vehicle
Get Medical Attention
If you’re injured, alert the medical personnel and police. While major injuries will be noticed right away, you should still be checked over for minor injuries. Get hold of your medical aid and tell them what’s going on.
Tow Truck Time
If the car is inoperable, it’s time to talk to the tow truck drivers. Ask how much towing is going to cost, where the car will be taken to and be sure to note down the name and number of the tow truck company, name of the driver and license plate number of the tow truck.
Filing a Claim
Call your insurance company as soon as possible and give them all the relevant information of the other drivers. Send in any police reports.
Get the Car Fixed
Once injuries have been seen to, it’s time to get the car repaired. The insurance coverage is going to depend on the policy you have. If the company won’t cover all the damage, you will need to find other ways to cover the costs of repairs.
Complete and then submit the form on this page to get a car insurance quote fast!
All info was correct at time of publishing July 27, 2018