Unfortunately, being involved in a road accident is a very real possibility whenever you get behind the wheel. For the most part, you can avoid trouble through good, careful driving but there are times when a collision might be unavoidable due to an error on another motorist’s behalf or factors outside of your control or that of any other parties involved. It can leave you stunned and unsure how to act if it does happen, which is why Highway Bakkie Hire offers this quick guide to what to do in a road accident.

What to Do After a Car Crash

Even if it’s only a small crash, shock can set in, and the adrenaline surge will make it difficult to function rationally at first. Immediate action can dispel the initial panic, however, as well as preventing any further damage or injury and ensuring that all necessary legal insurance requirements are met. Keep reading this blog to discover what to do:

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What To Do Immediately After Impact

Stop the car in a safe place and turn off the engine. Switch your hazards on and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If it is a minor accident and there are no injuries and the road is not blocked, there is no need to call emergency services. Get out and speak to the other driver, ensure that they and their passengers are uninjured. If everyone is safe and well, make a careful note of it, in case some party tries to claim for injuries later.

If there are any injuries and/or if any vehicles are blocking the road, call the police and emergency services immediately. You should also call the police if the other driver flees from the scene or is under the influence of any substances.

Above all, do your best to remain calm. Take deep breaths and keep your emotions under control. Try to be alert and take note of important details such as licence numbers, makes and models of all cars, and the details of any damage – taking photographs would be ideal. Get the names and contact details of all drivers involved in the accident (as well as sharing your own). You will also need to be aware of the driving conditions – a bad road, unfavourable weather, etc. All of this will be important for your police report and insurance claims.

Never make any apologies. Be courteous and mindful of others’ welfare but never say anything that can be construed as an admission of guilt. You don’t yet have a full picture of what has happened, so it’s hard to say who’s responsible – and other parties may leap on your apology as motivation for a claim against you.

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What To Do Within 24 Hours

If no police are summoned to the scene, be sure to visit a police station and report the accident within a day. Also, contact your insurance company – even if you don’t plan to make a claim. It is best to keep them informed regarding the condition of your car and also in case someone else lodges a third-party claim against you. If you are driving a rental car, you will need to contact your rental agency as soon after the accident as possible.

Highway Bakkie Hire Wants You to be Safe on the Roads

Highway Bakkie Hire is committed to helping you have a pleasant driving experience, and getting you from A to B safely. Contact us to book one of our safe and reliable rentals cars and we will offer all the necessary support to ensure comfortable motoring.

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