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Motor Vehicle Accident Checklist - 'What to do' when you’re Involved in a Car Accident🔧

  • Writer: Robert Durrant
    Robert Durrant
  • Aug 9, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 2, 2024

What happens when you’re Involved in a car accident?


When an unfortunate accident happens, regardless of whether it's your fault or not, it becomes a very distressing time for all parties involved, and it's hard to know what the right steps are.



Your car is likely a much-loved possession and a source of joy and seeing it damaged can be heartbreaking.


In the heat of the moment, everything moves so fast that it's easy to forget the common things you should do.


Apart from your safety being the priority, there are a range of actions you should take to handle the situation effectively.


Car Accident Checklist


Immediate Actions


  1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:

    • Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. It's crucial to keep your wits about you.

    • Check yourself and passengers for injuries.

  2. Ensure Safety:

    • If the accident is minor and it's safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe location.

    • Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.

    • Set up road flares or warning triangles if available.

  3. Check for Injuries:

    • Check on the well-being of all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

    • Call the police or ambulance if there are any injuries or if you are in doubt about anyone's condition.


Communication and Information Exchange


  1. Call the Police:

    • Report the accident to the police, even if it’s minor. A police report can be helpful for insurance purposes.

    • Provide the necessary details to the dispatcher and wait for the police to arrive.

  2. Exchange Information:

    • Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Key information includes:

      • Full name and contact information

      • Insurance company and policy number (if possible)

      • Driver's license and license plate number

      • Type, colour, and model of the vehicle.


Documentation

 

  1. Document the Scene:

    • Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road conditions or signage.

    • Note the time and date of the accident.

    • Collect contact information from any witnesses.

  2. File a Police Report:

    • Cooperate with the police and provide a clear, factual account of the accident.

    • Obtain a copy of the police report or the report number.

 

Post-Accident Actions


  1. Notify Your Insurance Company or Broker:

    • Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

    • Provide them with all the collected information and documentation.

  2. Seek Medical Attention:

    • Even if you feel fine, it's advisable to get a medical check-up to rule out any hidden injuries.

    • Keep records of any medical treatments and expenses.

  3. Keep Records:

    • Maintain a file with all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company.

  4. Select a Quality & Reputable Auto Body Shop:

    • Choose a reputable auto body shop or panel beater to perform repairs on your vehicle.

    • Discuss with them about getting a loan car or assistance with transportation back to work.

    • If you are unsure about how to lodge a claim, many repair shops have staff who can assist with this process.

  5. Think about Legal Advice:

    • If there are significant damages or injuries, or if you are facing legal issues, consider consulting with a car accident attorney for advice.

  6. Deal with the Other Party in a Calm and Logical Fashion:

    • In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you might place hope in the person you had the incident with, believing they will resolve the issue amicably. However, once they have time to think things through more clearly, their position can change, making it hard to resolve the issue. Stay calm and be logical in your approach to ensure the best possible outcome.

  7. Don't Stress:

    • Don’t worry or stress; a reputable vehicle repair agent has systems and processes in place to make the whole repair job easy for you.

  8. Follow Up:

    • Stay in touch with your insurance company to track the progress of your claim.

    • Follow up on any necessary car repairs or medical treatments.

    • Make sure the repair has been completed to your satisfaction.

 

When you are dealing with a professional organisation such as your insurance broker and your panel beater, the entire process becomes simpler, faster, and much less stressful.


Your goal is to have your vehicle returned to its best pre-accident condition. You want to value trusted and quality repairs to ensure your car runs as well as it did before and doesn't lose any of its value.


By following these steps, you can ensure that you handle a car accident efficiently and effectively, protecting your rights and interests in the process.


Need Advice?


Give us a call at Dingle Smash Repairs on 07 4783 6806 our expert team can help you with the entire process.


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