Be Prepared: What to do in the event of a car accident

If you own a car, the reality is that you could be involved in a car accident at some point. That's why you protect yourself with insurance.

While we all hope this never happens to us, it can, so it is best to be prepared for any eventuality.

With the Festive Season around the corner, more and more cars will be on the roads as people go on holiday, head to the shops, or just go about their daily routine.

Should you be involved in an accident, below are the steps required to ensure you are able to make a claim with your or the guilty party's insurance.

Step 1: Ensure you are insured

This may seem obvious, but you need to make sure your insurance is fully paid up and you are covered for any situation you may find yourself in before you hit the road. It is really not worth having zero cover for your car.

Step 2: Move over to a safe place and check on the health of all parties

After being involved in an accident, if you are able to, move your car out of the road to a safe place. Check on the health of yourself and passengers, as well as that of those in the other car(s) involved. It is also important that you remain as calm as possible in this situation, as a clear head will help you to take care of all the necessary admin at the scene.

READ: Keeping yourself safe on SA's roads

Step 3: Call for assistance

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to call for medical help. You should also call the police should the accident be a serious one. The most important part about this step is ensuring everyone who needs help gets it as quickly as possible. Call 10111 in an emergency to receive assistance.

Step 4: Exchange details with the other driver(s)

You will need the name, ID number, address, contact details, insurance details of the other party. You must also furnish the same details when they ask you. It is also important to get the details of any witnesses and of law enforcement on the scene. If the other party leaves the scene without stopping to exchange details, it is important that you call the police immediately, as this is illegal. Make note of the licence plate and features of the car.

Step 5: Details of the accident

It is important to take down as many details as possible in the shape of notes, pictures, and even witness statements. This will all help when you report the accident to the police and then with your insurance company. No detail is too small, so consider everything from the time of day to the reason for the accident to the make and model of the other car(s) involved. Any evidence provided will help when making your claim.

Step 6: Understand your rights at the scene

Nobody can force you into choosing a towing service, not even a police officer. If your car needs to be towed, it is best to contact your insurance directly. If a towing company employee or police officer puts any pressure on you at the scene, make notes and report them to your nearest police station when you go to complete a police report.

READ: Safety tips on the road

Step 7: Get a case number

If the police were not on the scene, you need to head to a police station within 24 hours of the accident. Here is where you will use all the information you gathered at the scene to fill out a report. The case number provided will then be used to complete your claim with your insurance company.

Step 8: Make your claim

Now that you have a case number and all the details and evidence of the accident, it is time to claim through your insurance company so that you can get your car fixed or back on the road as quickly as possible.

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