When a car accident happens, knowing what to do can save you time, stress, and money. Here’s a quick guide to handling the situation:
- Ensure safety first: Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call emergency services (000) if needed.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Write down details like location, weather, and time.
- Exchange information: Share names, addresses, and insurance details with the other driver. If they refuse, note their vehicle’s registration and description.
- Avoid admitting fault: Stick to factual observations without making statements that could imply liability.
- Report the accident: Notify the police within 24 hours if required and contact your insurer promptly.
- Stay mobile: If you’re not at fault, services like Not My Fault Car Hire can provide a replacement vehicle at no cost while yours is repaired.
Taking these steps ensures you’re protected, your claim is processed smoothly, and you can get back on the road without unnecessary delays.
What to Do After a Car Accident [Checklist]
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Your first priority after an accident should always be safety. The moments following a crash can be overwhelming, but staying calm and taking the right steps can help prevent further harm.
Move to a Safe Spot
If your vehicle is still operational and it’s safe to move, get it off the road as quickly as possible. Pull over to the left shoulder, a car park, or any area away from traffic. Before you move, check for any leaks and confirm that the brakes, steering, and lights are functioning properly. If the car is too damaged or unsafe to drive, remain where you are and ensure everyone is out of harm’s way.
When exiting your vehicle, always use it as a barrier between yourself and oncoming traffic. On busy freeways or highways, if it feels too dangerous to leave the car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Once in a safe location, check for injuries and call for assistance if necessary.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Examine yourself and your passengers for any signs of injury. If someone is seriously hurt, avoid moving them unless there’s an immediate danger, like a fire or approaching traffic. Moving an injured person incorrectly can cause further harm.
If anyone is injured, contact emergency services by dialling triple zero (000) immediately. Be ready to provide clear details, such as your exact location, the number of people involved, and the nature of the injuries. Emergency services will dispatch an ambulance and police if needed.
Even if there are no injuries, you should call emergency services if the accident involves major vehicle damage, is blocking traffic, or includes a truck carrying hazardous materials. For minor accidents without injuries, you may not need to involve emergency services, but it’s important to report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Once everyone is safe, alert other drivers to the situation by turning on your hazard lights.
Turn on Hazard Lights and Set Up Warnings
Activate your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers of the situation. Check for any debris, such as broken glass or car parts, that might pose a risk to others. If you have warning triangles, place them on the road behind your vehicle on the same side to give approaching traffic enough time to react.
If it’s safe to do so, remove any debris from the road to prevent additional accidents. Only attempt this if you can do it without putting yourself in danger.
Step 2: Take Photos and Record Details
After ensuring everyone’s safety, your next priority is collecting evidence. This step is crucial for proving fault, speeding up the claims process, and securing fair compensation for damages or injuries. The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your case when dealing with insurers or potential legal disputes.
LegalAid NSW recommends:
"It is a good idea to write down exactly what happened in the accident and what damage and/or loss you or the other driver suffered while it is still fresh in your mind. You could make a note or write a diary entry."
Write Down Key Details
Always be prepared by keeping a checklist, pen, and paper in your car’s glove box. If writing isn’t practical, use your phone’s voice recorder to capture details.
Start by noting the date (DD/MM/YYYY) and time (24-hour format). Record the exact location, including the street name, suburb, and nearby landmarks. Be sure to describe the weather, street lighting, and traffic conditions at the time of the accident.
Document information about each vehicle involved: colour, make, model, and registration number. Include details like the speed limit in the area, your estimated speed, and any factors that contributed to the crash. If police attended the scene, write down the officer’s name, rank, station, and the time and date the incident was reported.
Also, describe the damage to all vehicles involved. If you receive an immediate repair estimate, jot that down too. Don’t forget to include other relevant details like road debris, skid marks, or obscured traffic signs.
Once you’ve written everything down, complement your notes with visual evidence.
Take Photos of Everything
Photographs are an essential part of documenting an accident. As soon as it’s safe, take photos from multiple angles to capture the entire scene. These images can support your claim, back up witness accounts, and help experts piece together how the accident happened.
Start with wide shots to establish the overall context, then move in for close-ups to capture vehicle damage and other details. Make sure to photograph every scratch, dent, or broken part from different angles.
Take pictures of the road conditions, including skid marks, debris, or anything else that might explain what occurred. Don’t forget to photograph the number plates of all vehicles involved and, if it’s safe, document the VINs.
If you or your passengers have visible injuries, take photos of those as well. These can be critical for both insurance and medical claims. Use the best camera you have on hand to ensure the images are clear and sharp.
Thorough photographic evidence can provide valuable insights for accident reconstruction and help establish fault.
Get Witness Information
Witness accounts can further strengthen your claim. If anyone saw the accident, politely ask for their full names, phone numbers, and home addresses.
If they’re willing, have them briefly describe what they saw while you record their statement on your phone. Alternatively, jot down their observations and any comments they make about the accident.
Some witnesses may be pressed for time, so prioritise getting their contact details first. You can always follow up later for a more detailed account. If someone seems hesitant, explain that even a short statement can make a big difference in ensuring a fair resolution.
Lastly, take note of the time and location where you spoke to each witness. Keeping this information organised will make it much easier to share with your insurer or, if needed, with Not My Fault Car Hire when arranging a replacement vehicle.
Step 3: Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Exchanging details with other parties involved in an accident is not just good practice – it’s legally required in Australia. According to NSW Road Rules, you must provide your name, address, vehicle details, and any other identifying information. Failing to do so is considered a criminal offence.
Information You Need to Collect
When gathering details, make sure you cover all the essentials.
Start by noting the other driver’s personal information, such as their full name, residential address, and phone number. Ask to see their driver’s licence and jot down the licence number.
Next, document all relevant vehicle details. This includes the make, model, colour, and registration number of every vehicle involved. If more than two vehicles are part of the incident, record each one separately.
Insurance information is equally critical. Request the name of their insurance provider, the policy number, and the insurer’s contact details. Whenever possible, verify these details by reviewing their insurance card or documents instead of relying solely on verbal information.
If the driver isn’t the vehicle’s owner, make sure to collect the owner’s name and address as well.
In cases where the other driver refuses to cooperate, stay calm and gather whatever information you can. Record their vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and a description of the driver and any passengers. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the number plates.
Don’t Admit Fault
Be cautious with your words – statements like "I’m sorry" can be taken as an admission of liability. This could complicate your efforts to claim compensation for medical expenses, car repairs, or lost income.
If the other driver accuses you of causing the accident, avoid admitting fault. Stick to factual observations about what occurred and remain calm. You can state that liability will be determined by evidence and reports. When speaking with police, answer honestly but avoid speculating about the cause of the crash.
Keep your conversation with the other driver focused on exchanging required details. There’s no need to discuss how the accident happened – save that for your insurer and, if necessary, the police.
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Step 4: Report the Accident and Contact Your Insurer
Once you’ve exchanged details with the other driver, the next step is to report the accident and reach out to your insurer. Acting quickly here can help protect your legal standing and ensure your claim progresses without unnecessary delays.
When to Call the Police
Dial triple zero immediately if anyone is trapped, injured, or killed. Even if injuries seem minor at the time, it’s better to be cautious – if someone later requires medical attention and the police weren’t called initially, you can report the incident by contacting the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
You should also call triple zero if a driver involved appears to be under the influence, refuses to exchange details, or if the situation involves traffic disruption or hazardous vehicles.
If the police don’t attend the crash scene, you are still required to report the accident within 24 hours if any of the following apply:
- A vehicle needs to be towed.
- Property is damaged.
- Animals are injured.
- You couldn’t exchange details with the other driver.
In such cases, contact the nearest police station or call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Be prepared with your licence, details of the crash, vehicle information, and any witness contacts.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After dealing with the authorities, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Have the following information ready:
- The other driver’s details.
- Vehicle information (make, model, and colour).
- The accident’s location.
- A clear description of what happened, including any property damage.
If police attended the scene or you have a police report number, make sure to include that in your report. Keep a detailed record of your conversation with the insurer, including the name of the representative you spoke to and any reference numbers they provide. This documentation may prove valuable later.
Maintain Your Own Records
Good record-keeping can strengthen your claim and ensure consistency with the evidence you’ve already collected. Take note of key details like the date, time, location, speed, weather conditions, and any contributing factors to the accident. Create a diagram of the scene and keep all photos, receipts, and documents in one place.
Additionally, save copies of all correspondence with your insurer, including claim numbers, names of representatives, and summaries of your discussions. Keeping a timeline of events – such as when you reported the incident and any follow-up updates – can help ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Step 5: Get a Replacement Car with Not My Fault Car Hire
After documenting your accident and notifying your insurer, the next priority is ensuring you stay on the road. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle equivalent to your own while yours is being repaired or assessed – and the best part? You shouldn’t have to pay for it.
Check Your Eligibility
To confirm you qualify, you’ll need to provide proof that the accident wasn’t your fault. This typically includes the at-fault driver’s details, your claim number, accident documentation, photos of the damage, and, if applicable, a police report number. Those photos you took earlier – showing the damage, accident scene, skid marks, and debris – will help establish liability. Witness details and a clear account of what happened can further strengthen your case.
Reach Out to Not My Fault Car Hire
Once you’ve gathered your documentation, contact Not My Fault Car Hire either online or by phone. They’ll assess your eligibility within 24–48 hours. During this time, their team reviews the accident details, contacts the at-fault driver’s insurer, verifies liability acceptance, and confirms the status of your insurance claim. If your car is undrivable, they can even deliver a replacement vehicle directly to the accident site. Otherwise, they’ll arrange delivery to your home, workplace, or repairer.
Stress-Free Car Hire with No Upfront Costs
Not My Fault Car Hire takes care of all the paperwork and directly bills the at-fault driver’s insurer, meaning you won’t face any upfront expenses. The replacement car provided will match your own in size, type, and features. While they cover the rental costs, you’ll only need to handle fuel, tolls, and any traffic fines during the hire period.
With coverage across both metro and regional areas in Australia, you can access a replacement car no matter where the accident happened. Their team manages all interactions with insurers and handles the logistics, so you can focus on your recovery and getting back to your routine – without the hassle of dealing with endless paperwork. This step ensures you stay mobile while your car is being repaired.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Protected, and Mobile
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience, but taking the right steps ensures your safety, protects your rights, and helps you stay mobile. Always prioritise safety – move to a secure spot, turn on your hazard lights, and contact emergency services if needed.
Make sure to document the scene thoroughly. Take photos of the vehicle damage, road conditions, and surrounding area, and note the time, date, and weather. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party, but avoid admitting fault.
Once you’ve handled the immediate steps, focus on reporting the incident and securing the support you need.
"The immediate actions taken post-accident are vital aspects that impact the resolution of any car accident scenario." – easifleet.com.au
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible and follow their instructions carefully.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you can quickly arrange a replacement vehicle through Not My Fault Car Hire. This service ensures you can continue your routine – whether it’s commuting, school drop-offs, or appointments – without interruption while your car is being repaired.
Taking swift action not only speeds up the process of getting back on the road but also eliminates upfront costs. With nationwide coverage across both metro and regional areas, support is available wherever the accident happens. By following these steps, you can minimise disruptions to your daily life, stay protected, and maintain control during what can be a challenging time.
FAQs
What should I do if the other driver refuses to share their details after a car accident?
If the other driver refuses to share their details, it’s important to stay composed and follow these steps:
- Write down their vehicle registration number along with other identifying details like the car’s make, model, and colour.
- Inform the police about the incident within 24 hours, as this is required under Australian law.
- If you feel threatened or the other driver becomes aggressive, contact the police immediately for help.
Collecting as much information as possible – like photos of the scene and witness accounts – can safeguard your rights and assist with any future claims.
What steps should I take to make sure my insurance claim is handled smoothly after a car accident?
To make sure your car insurance claim goes smoothly after an accident in Australia, it’s important to act quickly and stay organised. Start by contacting your insurer as soon as possible to report the incident. Share all the key details, such as the time, date, location, and a clear explanation of what happened.
While you’re still at the scene, collect important evidence. Take photos of the damage, note down the other driver’s details (including their name, contact information, licence number, and registration plate), and get the contact details of any witnesses. If the police are involved, make sure to record their report number as well.
Keep track of any expenses related to the accident, like towing or medical bills, and save all correspondence with your insurer. Staying on top of these details will help simplify the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
What are the advantages of choosing Not My Fault Car Hire after a not-at-fault accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, Not My Fault Car Hire offers a simple way to get you back on the road without any out-of-pocket expenses. They provide a like-for-like replacement vehicle at no cost to you, with the bill covered by the at-fault driver’s insurer.
This service takes the pressure off during a stressful period, ensuring you have a dependable vehicle to use while your own car is being repaired or evaluated. It’s an easy and convenient way to maintain your routine without unnecessary disruptions.
