Top 5 things to do at the scene of a road accident

Being involved in a car accident is very confronting and can often leave you feeling very shocked (not to mention possibly injured).   Whilst it may be the last thing on your mind, there are several things you should try to remember so that your rights are protected, and any claims process is as stress-free as possible.
 
Whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian or even cyclist, you can you use this list of the top 5 things to remember for if you are involved in a road accident.

1.Keep calm and take details
 
First and foremost, you should try to remain as calm as possible and assess your physical injuries.  If you or any of your passengers do not require medical assistance, you should move your car and turn on your hazard lights so that no further accidents are caused.
 
You should make note of the following essential details of the other people involved in the accident (probably in your phone is easiest):-
 

• Date and time of accident
• Location of accident

 
Other driver/s contact details including:-

• Name
• address
• phone number
• vehicle registration
• insurer
• vehicle make and model

 
2.Talk to any witnesses
 
Sometimes, with road accident claims, there may be some uncertainty about what actually happened and there may be some finger-pointing between those involved.  Witnesses can be extremely important in working out exactly what happened to cause an accident.
If there are witnesses, you should talk to them and note their name, phone number, address and their involvement in the accident.
 
If you report the accident to police (which is recommended), you should pass these details on to the police so that they may try and talk to the witnesses.
 
If you are injured, you should see a doctor straight away and ask them to complete a medical certificate.
 
3.Take some pictures of the scene, any damage to your vehicle or other vehicles and your injuries (if possible)
 
Your memory can become hazy when you have been involved in an accident. Photographs can help to clarify what actually happened.  As long as it is safe to do so, I recommend you take photos of as much as possible so that you can use them to jog your memory.  Also, they may help the insurer if there is a factual dispute between you and another driver or to determine who is at fault. 
Try to take photos of the following things:-
 

• The whole scene 
• Impact (to your vehicle and other vehicles) from different angles 
• Damage to your vehicle
• Traffic signs or lights
• Skid marks on the road and broken glass
• Any other damaged public or private property

 
4.Report the accident to the police.
 
You should always call the police to attend at the scene if someone is injured or has died or damage has been caused to property.  If they do attend, you should ask the officer for their name, the report number and their station.
 
If for some reason you are not able to report the accident to police at the scene, you should do so as soon as possible.  Your lawyer can help you with this.
 
5.Contact your insurer and Arthur Browne & Associates
 
In order to start the claim process, you will need to report the accident to your insurer.  Every registered vehicle in Australia has compulsory third party insurance which is for personal injuries.  Most drivers also have insurance for any property damage to their own vehicle and others.
 
Arthur Browne & Associates can help you on a “no-win no-fee” basis if you have been involved in a road accident.  It is important for you and your family that you seek advice so that you are aware of what your entitlements are.