What to do after a car accident in South Africa

admin Aug 7, 2018 15 Comments

10 Things you can do After a Car Accident

South Africa ranks among the highest in car accident rates in the world, so chances of you being in one would be likely high and having the right car insurance cover in place is very good. (request life insurance). Car accidents are always terrifying, stressing at that point whether you are involved or you witnessing, there is no other way to deal with accidents on South African national roads. If you are uninjured that is a very good thing or if you have seen and became a witness to the accident scene, there are few things you need to know and do in the event of a car accident. Below we listed 10 things to do after a car accident.

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1. Stop

You will be surprised what unusual choices people make when overloaded with fear and panic. It’s against the law to drive off after getting involved in accident on the national road, people might die while needing paramedics.

2. Safety first

If you can drive your car park on the side of the road. Check that you are fine and if you have passengers, pleases make sure everyone is ok. If any people are seriously injured, call for help immediately. Lock your valuables if you have any (boot, cubbyhole)

3. Always stay calm

Accidents will always be painful also emotional, it does not help the situation if you scream and battle with other people. Always stay calm.

4. Don’t say anything

This goes along with always stay calm after getting involved in accident. The reaction of shock being in an accident can make you saying and do things that can end up incriminating you even if it’s not your fault.

5. Call for assistance

Call any friend or family member to come help you. Call an ambulance and for the police. Ambulance is very critical for injured personals.

6. Swap information and Contact details

Do it on a piece of paper or your smart phone, swap info and contact details as follow:

• Time, date and the location of the accident
• The car registration number/s, car make and model of other cars involved
• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of the other driver/s and any witnesses along with contact details.
• Name and telephone number of the towing driver or paramedic.
• Which station you are to receive your accident report etc.

Tip: make sure the cell phone works and drivers licenses are valid.  

7. Assess any damages after the car accident

If anyone on the accident scene has a smart phone, use it to take sufficient pictures of the cars, and accident scene also surrounding areas.

8. Gather other noticeable evidence

Check cars tyres condition, break lights see whether the driver is intoxicated with alcohol or not. If there are any witnesses that can tell you if the other driver was texting or where they on a phone call. Any important info that can assist in the claim.

9. Notify your car insurance provider after car accident

You need to notify your insurance company of the accident you have been involved in. Share with them all the important details of the car accident, send pictures, accident scene report and other relevant information you feel may be necessary for the claim. This is very important you have the right car insurance policy and don’t become like many of South African citizens that drive uninsured.

10. Get regular updates on the repairs

Always phone your insurance on the progress of your car insurance claim, (if your car was not a right-off) your car should be repaired and other details you may need so that you are regularly update on your vehicles repairs.

what to do after a car accident not your fault

No one can be ready for a car accident, but by having the right car insurance policy in place any unforeseen occasion will be less traumatic.

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