What To Do In A Car Accident - A Guide

Being involved in a car accident is something all motorists dread because of the emotional and financial implications involved. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a car accident, here is what you need to do. 

  1. Remain At The Scene 

Stop your vehicle immediately, and assess the accident and extent of vehicle damage. 

  1. Ensure The Safety Of Those In The Accident 

Ensure that you and any passengers in the car are unharmed or need medical attention. Where someone has been injured, call 112 from any cellphone network free of charge. The call centre will take your accident information and dispatch emergency services closest to you. During this time, do not move the vehicle until emergency services have arrived and the police have been called.

  1. Assess The Damage And Document The Scene

Using your smartphone take images of the accident scene from all angles you will need to serve them as evidence when making a claim to your insurance company. Make notes of the date, time, weather, location of the accident and any significant contributors to the accident such as traffic lights out of order and road terrain. In the event that you do not have insurance, request a quote from a towing service nearby. 

  1. Record 3rd Party Driver And Vehicle Information 

Record all necessary information about the other drivers and vehicles involved, such as:

  • Details of the other drivers (names, contact details, address, vehicle insurance information).
  • Include an image of the other driver’s license.  
  • Details of vehicles involved in the accident (make, model, colour, reg number) of each driver. 
  • Details of eyewitnesses if it is a serious accident. 
  1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company of the accident and what transpired. Be honest as any dishonesty found will affect your insurance claim. Your insurance company will dispatch a towing truck for any mechanical or electrical breakdown which would fall under roadside assistance. An insurance cover like the comprehensive cover ensures that accidents caused either by yourself or by another driver are covered.  

  1.  Call The Police

In the event that there are serious injuries, the police will have to be notified and a statement taken. If it is a minor accident, visit the nearest police station closest to the scene of the accident within 24 hours as a case number will be required by your insurance company.

To avoid paying out of your pocket, when you purchase a vehicle from Auto Pedigree, our well-established insurance brokerage will negotiate the best comprehensive vehicle insurance cover at affordable premiums. Speak to us today for a quote This gives you peace of mind knowing that in an accident, you would be covered against theft, damage or any unpleasant accidents. 

 

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