What to do after a motor vehicle accident? A guide on steps to take after being involved in an accident to protect your rights and potential personal injury claim
A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. To safeguard your rights and a prospective personal injury claim, it’s essential to act appropriately as soon as possible after the incident. We have outlined the following steps to take following an accident:
Step 1: Safety of All Parties Involved
It is important to make sure everyone is safe. If you can, make your way to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights. Please contact an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt.
Step 2: Reporting the Accident to Police
Even if it appears to be a minor collision, report it to the police. A police report can be an important piece of evidence in legal cases and insurance claims.
Step 3: Obtaining Contact Details and Other Information
Ensure that all parties involved have provided you with the necessary information, including their full names, addresses, phone numbers, licence plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers (if possible). It will be helpful if you were to also obtain the contact details of any witnesses if there were any.
It is important that you do not admit fault or discuss who may be at fault for the accident. This ought to be determined by an insurer or a legal professional.
Step 4: Obtaining Evidence
Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including any visible injuries, the damaged vehicles, and the surrounding area. A claim may later be strengthened by this visual evidence if there are any disagreements as to the circumstances of the accident.
Step 5: Notifying Insurance Company
As soon as you can after the accident, if you have full comprehensive insurance, notify your insurance provider to commence a property damage claim for your vehicle and any possessions that were damaged as a result of the accident. Ensure you give them precise, and detailed information about what happened. They may request photos, dashcam footage and even a diagram.
Step 6: Seeking Medical Attention
It may help to a comprehensive medical check-up even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away, but they might get worse with time. Keep track of all medical exams, procedures, and associated costs as this may useful should you need to claim these costs back.
Step 7: Seeking Legal Advice
If you were not at fault for the accident or you were at fault for the accident and there were occupants in your vehicle, you may wish to contact a personal injury lawyer for advice on a CTP claim.
We are here to help
At TPIL Lawyers, our dedicated team of car accident lawyers specialise in CTP claims and have a deep understanding of the legal framework and regulations. We are well-versed in advocating for our clients’ rights and fighting for the compensation they deserve. Please contact us on 1800 958 498 or help@tpil.com.au for an obligation free and confidential discussion.
