If you are the driver of a vehicle (or a rider of bicycle), and you are involved in an accident, here are 11 tips on what you should (and shouldn’t) do at the scene.
- If anyone suffered injury, remain at the accident scene, provide assistance and call Triple Zero. (You can leave only for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance to the injured person.)
- Do not admit fault.
- If the incident involved collision, personal injury, property damage, or injury to an animal in someone’s charge, then exchange particulars with the other person involved in the incident.
- The particulars are your name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle, the vehicle registration number and any other information which identifies your vehicle.
- You must give your particulars to the other driver, injured person, or the person whose property got damaged.
- If it’s not practicable to exchange particulars immediately, then you must do so within 24 hours.
- You must provide the same particulars to the Police if (1) you have not provided your particulars to the other person as required or (2) you were not given the required particulars or (3) someone suffered injury or (4) your vehicle had to be towed.
- If your vehicle had to be towed, you have to report the incident to Police.
- Take photos of road signs, the condition of the road, the position of the vehicles involved, any injuries suffered by anyone (if appropriate).
- Try and note the name and contact details of any witnesses.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
