Everyone dreads car accidents. The entire accident scene can cause physical damage and emotional trauma. Hence, road accidents should be avoided through safe driving and reporting of driving offences to the authorities.
But what if you happen to get involved in these dreadful circumstances? Are you aware of the next steps to undertake?
Here are some crucial things you should remember if you ever experience a motor vehicle crash.
7 Crucial DOs on Minor Car Crash in Sydney
1. Check for injuries.
If you have concussions caused by impact from a minor car accident or crash, immediately call an ambulance for emergency assistance and seek medical attention. It should be your top priority to receive medical treatment, especially if other injured people are at the crash site.
2. Call the police.
Under Section 34 of the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994, individuals filing insurance claims must report road accidents to the police and obtain a police record of the crash. Ensure that the police make an accurate accident report of the vehicle crash. Ask them for a written statement from the other party’s driver.
3. Document the scene.
If you do not have any major personal injury damages, take pictures or videos of the crash, car accident, vehicle details, and the surroundings. If you have a measuring tape, use this tool to document the exact distance and vehicle damages of your car and the other vehicle involved in the crash. Accident insurers need this information to process your claim. Ensure safety devices are in place and hazard lights are turned on when documenting.
3. Exchange information with the other driver.
Get the other driver’s contact details, such as an address, name, phone number, licence number, and vehicle details, and share your information with the other party. Stick to factual details when talking to the other party, the police, or witnesses about the car accident. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting yourself as the at-fault driver, as this could have serious accident insurance implications.
4. Move to a safe location.
After the police have gathered enough information for their report, you may park your vehicle in a safe location or side of the road to avoid traffic obstructions or hazards. You can also request a tow truck from an insurance repairer and even accident replacement vehicles.
5. Contact your insurance provider or lawyer for legal advice.
You must call your insurance company and file an insurance claim to cover any damages from the incident. Accident lawyers are usually present in insurance litigation to determine the at-fault driver and the level of compensation you can get from the company.
6. Consult a qualified road trauma psychologist.
If your accident involved personal injury damages, it would help to hasten your recovery if you could talk to someone who can help you process your traumatic feelings and losses.
5 Crucial DONT’s After a Car Accident in Sydney
1. Leave the Scene.
Stay at the scene until the police or emergency services arrive. It can be illegal to leave an accident scene, especially one with injuries.
2. Move Your Vehicle Prematurely
Don’t move your car or tow it before the police arrive unless it’s necessary for safety, as this may tamper with the details of the accident scene.
3. Lose your cool.
Remember that no one wants to be in that situation. Do not argue with the other driver; this may only escalate the situation. Stay calm and focus on exchanging information and contacting the authorities in Sydney.
4. Settle immediate payment deals without a professional assessment.
Sometimes, you may be tempted to settle the terms immediately to avoid hassle. Or the other driver’s insurance company may try to offer a quick payout. Don’t accept anything before consulting your insurance or getting some legal advice about the insurance policy terms.
5. Bribe the police or traffic enforcer
This will cause you to break road incident policies that you will regret later.
Conclusion
A motor vehicle accident in Sydney is a stressful event. Having comprehensive car insurance can lessen the stress and provide many benefits, such as not having to pay for the full cost of car damage repairs. To facilitate the accident claims process, remember to have the following documents: a brief accident description, multiple photos and videos of the accident or the collision, a police report, and a medical record if you need to file a personal injury claim.
If you, however, struggle financially following a car accident, get legal help and file for a lawsuit to recover losses. There are accident compensation lawyers who work on a 100% no-win, no-fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless the compensation lawyers win your case and nothing if you lose.