Fatal accidents across the nation are increasing. It’s a dangerous trend that the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has documented and noticed.
As a group, “drivers” involved in motor vehicle accidents saw the largest increase in fatalities and serious injuries. Yet passengers, cyclists and pedestrians also are increasingly at risk of being killed on the road. Not one group measured saw a decrease in fatalities or serious injuries.
The Seconds After An Accident Will Not Feel Like Reality
When you are in a car accident, it takes a few seconds for your brain to process what just happened. Then, the shock of the crash sets in.
Soon after, most people start to shake and tremble. Even a small fender-bender can induce these feelings. While the shock quickly turns to anger at the person who hit you, try to take a pause to evaluate your situation.
You may be injured and not even realise it yet. Passengers will be going through the same thing that you are. Shock, anger, fear and panic are all of the emotions that you’ll probably feel.
Here are a few suggestions to help you decide what to do if you’re involved in a car accident. Consider printing this list so that you have it handy in your glove-compartment. We hope that you’ll never have to use it. But, just in case, you’ll know what to do and who to call:
Dial 000 for an Ambulance.
Dial 000 for police in any state.
Move The Car To A Safe Location Off The Road
- Activate the warning or hazard lights on your vehicle as soon as possible.
- Turn the vehicle off.
- Do not smoke if there is any possibility that petrol may have leaked.
- Whether you are on a freeway or a city street, move your vehicle to the side of the street or into the breakdown lane.
Check Passengers For Injuries
- If it is safe for you to get out of the car, make sure that no one else is hurt.
- If you have any doubt, call 000.
- Do not try to move an injured person since it may make the injuries worse.
Exchange Information With All Other Drivers Involved
- Do not admit any fault or discuss how the accident happened with other drivers.
- The success of our insurance claim will greatly depend upon the information you obtain.
- You don’t want to say something in the heat of the moment as that may hurt your insurance claim.
- Obtain the driver licence details of the other driver.
- Write down the owner’s name, address and all phone numbers.
- Record the registration, insurance and licence plate number of any other vehicles involved.
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the others involved from several different angles.
- Take photos of the intersection, the weather conditions, and skid and road marks.
- If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information and note down what they saw happen.
Call Police If There Are Injuries, Damage Or An Impaired Or Absent Driver Involved
- If someone is injured or trapped in your car, in another vehicle or as a bystander, you must call the police immediately.
- When there is damage to property other than the vehicles involved, such as livestock, real estate or public property, you must also call the police immediately.
- When the owner of the car or other property is not available at the accident scene or has fled, call the police.
- Call for police help when traffic direction is needed to ensure the safety of other motorists and those waiting for assistance.
- If you suspect the other driver to have consumed drugs or alcohol, then the police need to be on hand to verify this so you must also call them immediately in such cases.
If Your Car Is Not Safe To Drive, Have It Towed
- Check to see if any of the tyres went flat or were shredded.
- Make sure there is no petrol leaking.
- The dash board instruments should be working correctly.
- It is an offence to drive an unsafe or unroadworthy vehicle.
We Can Help
We help you understand what to do if you are in a car accident. You may have a claim for compensation if you are injured due to another driver’s negligence.
Taylor & Scott is Sydney’s leading and most experienced car accident and personal injury law firm. We have over a century of legal experience helping clients obtain the injury compensation they deserve.
One of our experienced lawyers will be happy to provide a no-obligation free initial assessment of your case.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
At Taylor & Scott “We Care For You”.
