What to do after a road accident

If you or anyone at the scene needs urgent medical attention, call 000. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers on the road and give assistance to anyone who may have been injured.

Use your phone to take photos of any vehicles involved. Make sure you capture the positions of the vehicles, the point of impact, any visibly damaged areas and the registration plates.

If the vehicles aren’t obstructing the flow of traffic, they shouldn’t be removed until police have arrived. If they are obstructing the traffic and it is safe to do so, move the vehicles off to the side of the road.

Exchange details with the other driver(s) involved. Collect the following information about any third parties involved:

• Contact details (name, phone number and address)
• Vehicle details
• Insurer details
• Description of the incident and diagram (if there is a dispute)

Now is also good time to get the contact details of any witnesses involved.

Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident because this could have insurance implications.

You may need a tow truck, but you aren't obligated to have your car towed by tow trucks that arrive at the scene of the accident without being called. Tow trucks can't tow a vehicle without a signed tow authority, unless they are directed by the police (the vehicle may be causing a further traffic hazard).

Call us for a tow on 13 7202.

To make the claims process as smooth as possible, we’ll need some information in addition to the photos and third-party information you’ve already collected:

• Incident description: Prepare a diagram of the incident, and a brief description of what happened, including the date, time and location of the incident.
• Your details: Have your name, phone number, and email address ready.
• Police report number: If you’ve filed a police report, we’ll need the report number.
• Authorised people: If you’re going to authorise others to discuss your claim (e.g. your spouse or solicitor), have their names and contact details on hand.
• Loss or damage covered by benefits: If you’re making a claim for specific benefits (e.g. baby seats or personal property), have the details of the loss or damage you’re claiming for ready.