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Accidents are
traumatic so what
do you do after one?

It’s no surprise that after an accident you’re a little confused about what are the next steps and
especially if it wasn’t your fault. Well, first take a deep breath and then follow these simple steps.

It’s no surprise that after an accident you’re a little confused about what are the next steps and especially if it wasn’t your fault. Well, first take a deep breath and then follow these simple steps.

REPORT AN ACCIDENT

Let us know what happened and we’ll get on it, pronto!

One of our expert claims handlers will call you back or you can call us now on

1800 953 263

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Step 1

What to do directly after the accident.

Stop and switch
off the vehicle.

The first thing to do if the car isn’t stationery is stopping the car safely and make sure you switch off the engine and remove the keys.

Take a deep
breath and
stay calm.

Emotions can understandably be running high, so take a moment to compose yourself.

Check
for injuries

Check yourself, your passengers and anyone else for any injuries as a result of the accident. If necessary, call an ambulance

Don’t admit fault
or apologise.

It may sound crazy, but even a simple apology can be used later as an admission of fault. Always be polite, but under no circumstances apologise or admit fault.

Step 2

When to call the police

It’s recommended that no matter the circumstance, the police are made aware of a car accident asap after the incident. A common misunderstanding when people aren’t sure of what to do in a car accident is how and when should the police be brought into the situation.

When to call 131 444

In certain situations, following a non-fault accident, calling 131 444 is the best option. These include:

  • To provide safety, medical care or to protect the scene
  • To assist with investigating the collision
  • If you suspect the collision was intentional
  • If the other driver is uninsured
  • If the other driver is under the influence of any kind
  • If the other driver fled the scene after the collision

When NOT to call 131 444

  • No medical care required
  • No investigation necessary
  • Collision was an accident
  • All parties are insured
  • No drivers are under the influence
  • All drivers present

If the collision doesn’t require you to call 131 444 the best course of action is to notify your local police station within 24 hours of the incident. You can do this by:

  • Reporting the collision online
  • Reporting the collision at your local station
REPORT AN ACCIDENT

Let us know what happened and we’ll get on it, pronto!

Step 3

Exchange your details at the scene of the accident

Once the initial shock has subsided and everyone is safe, it is a legal requirement for both drivers to exchange details. This is very important for a successful non-fault claim. These details must include the following:
  • Full name
  • Home address
  • Telephone number(s)
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Details of the vehicle’s registered owner (if different from the driver)

It’s also wise to note down the other driver’s insurance company details. This can be handy if you have trouble getting in touch with the driver later on. Remember to both collect the other driver’s details and provide your own. It’s an offence not to share your details after a car accident. Failing to do so could not only land you in hot water but might also affect any accident claim you make later.

For a smooth claims process later on, keep the details you’ve collected safe. If you can, save them electronically by sending yourself an email or saving them on your smart phone. While it’s always good to have a paper and pen for things like sketches paper can get lost or damaged easily. So, it’s best to take photos and keep a backup.

Call our expert claims team now on

1800 953 263

and get yourself back on the road to recovery FAST!

Passenger and witness details

Exchanging details with the other driver alone is sometimes not enough. Ensure that all details are exchanged with any and all passengers; both from your own vehicle and importantly from the third-party vehicle as well.

To help build your claim once you have left the road traffic accident scene, witnesses are very important to the success and evidence. If you have a witness, ensure you collect the witness’s details in full.

No passengers or witnesses?

If you don’t have a witness right now, consider asking any passers-by if they will accompany you as a witness. This will be while you gather evidence of who is at fault, followed by accurate and detailed facts about the accident itself.

Step 4

What information and evidence you need to collect at the scene of the accident..

Recording detailed information related to an accident is crucial for establishing evidence to unequivocally prove you were not at fault. TIP: For any potential future incidents, we recommend keeping a small notepad in your vehicle at all times.

Third-party
vehicles details

Take note of all third-party vehicles involved, including make, model, colour, year and registration plate.

Photographs of
both vehicles

Take photographs, and if possible, videos, of all vehicles, including your own. Make sure to capture damage and positions of vehicles.

Photos of
accident scene

In addition to the vehicles, take photographs and videos of the accident scene and surrounding areas.

Photographs
of conditions

Make an attempt to fully capture the driving conditions, including lighting, surface quality, weather etc.

Video
commentary

It’s a great idea to create a ‘commentary video’, walking around and explaining what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.

Time and date
of the accident

It’s very important to take note of the exact time and date of the accident. Also, any precise timing of events leading up to the accident.

Any and
all injuries

If anyone is injured, make sure to make a note of this. In addition, if people weren’t injured, make a note of this also.

Witness
comments

Make an attempt to fully capture the driving conditions, including lighting, surface quality, weather etc.

A sketch of the
circumstances

If possible, create a visual drawing of how the accident happened. Agree this with the other driver and ask them to sign. Otherwise record it on your smartphone.

CCTV cameras
or dashcams

Look around for any buildings with CCTV. Ask if any other vehicles that may have witnessed the accident have dashcam footage.

Step 5

Getting accident roadside recovery

After a car accident, extensive visible damage often clearly indicates the need for recovery. However, at times, damage isn’t as apparent.

Operating an unroadworthy vehicle is not only unsafe but also illegal here in Australia. If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle is safe, you should avoid driving it to prevent any further risk or complications. When considering accident recovery, the most important things to know are:

Does my vehicle need recovery?

Checking that your vehicle passes a ‘roadworthy vehicle check’ is the first place to start when considering recovery.

Who should I contact for recovery?

Car Crash Line is your one stop shop. We will work with you every step of the way at no cost to you. It’s easy, stress free and won’t cost you a dollar.

Step 6

How to start a non-fault claim after an accident

Many people instinctively call their insurance company after an accident, either to claim or seek advice. However, if you’re not at fault, directly claiming through your insurer may leave you at a disadvantage. Companies like Car Crash Line offer an invaluable alternative, handling claims independently to ensure non-fault drivers receive what they’re entitled to with minimal disruption and at no cost.

Starting your non-fault claim
Working with a partner like Car Crash Line who understands what to do after a car accident is essential. Here at Car Crash Line your dedicated expert claims handler will initiate a claim on your behalf and be with you every step of the way.

Start your non-fault claim now

1800 953 263

Let us know what happened and we’ll get on it, pronto!

Call our expert claims team now on

1800 953 263

and get yourself back on the road to recovery FAST!

Car Crash Line is a registered business name of QLD LAW GROUP PTY LTD (ABN 58656673166) whose registered office is Qld Law Group Place, 100 Wharf Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.

Car Crash Line is a division of a law firm not an insurance provider. We handle claims on behalf of our clients, but we do not offer insurance policies. Our expertise lies solely in managing vehicle accident claims, with a focus on non-fault accidents.

We operate independently as a law firm and provide motor accident related services and are not associated with any insurance company. For general enquiries regarding your policy, please contact your insurance provider directly. You can find their telephone number on your policy documents.

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