Things To Do Following a Car Accident

Accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, anyplace. The fact is, even if you are the safest driver on the road, things can become unpredictable at any time. What are you going to do? Follow the steps outlined below to get a sense of what to do next.

1) Remain Calm

Evaluate yourself. Are you hurt? Exit the vehicle if you are not harmed and assess the seriousness of the accident and the other party. If you are in the middle of the road and have the ability to move your vehicle, do so to a safer spot.

2) Communicate with the other party and exchange information

Record the information about the other vehicles and parties involved in the accident. This includes the following:

Vehicle registration number

Model, year, and colour of the vehicle

Name, address, and phone number of the driver

Driver's identification number and licence number

Take pictures of the damage and other details if possible.

Name, address, and phone number of witnesses

3) How Serious Is the Damage?

If the collision was minor fender bender, you could reach an arrangement with the other party to settle the situation. Also, if your repair expenses are less than a specific amount, you may not be allowed to file an insurance claim. However, if the damage is substantial, file a police report.

4) Submit A Police Report

Within 24 hours following the collision. The officer at the police station will investigate the collision, determine who was at fault, and issue a summons. 

5) Contact Your Insurance Provider

Or call their Helpline as soon as possible. They will inquire about the accident, provide advice, and assist in organising a tow truck to the nearest authorised panel workshop. Failure to take your car to an approved workshop may preclude you from claiming any accident-related damages.

6) Insurance Coverage

The insurance company will dispatch a loss assessor to inspect the damage to your vehicle and determine who is to blame. A decision will be reached, and the insurance company will be notified of how much you can claim from the accident. This will result in a claim from either your insurance company or the other party's insurance company.

7) The Claim-Free Bonus

If you file a claim with your own insurance company, your claim must be more than the excess clause. The difference will then be paid by the insurance company. However, once you claim, you will forfeit your no-claims bonus, or NCB. The NCB is the number of years you have gone without making a claim on your vehicle insurance policy.

8) The Option to Hire a Lawyer

If you are comfortable working with a lawyer, keep in mind that you have the freedom to select your own. He or she will be able to assist you in filling out the claim and will be able to advise you on a variety of issues. You will be asked to sign a warrant to act, which is a document that formally appoints him or her.

Have you been in a car accident before? What was your experience like? Tell us about it in the comments!