10 STEPS TO FOLLOW IN CASE OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT

SA – A vehicle accident can be a very traumatic experience. Whether it’s merely a fender bender or a serious accident in which people get injured, knowing what to do, is critical. 

The first thing you need to remember, is to stay calm. You will probably be in shock… So, take a moment to breath and get your thoughts together.

Be vigilant and make sure that it is safe to get out of your vehicle. Check for any oncoming traffic and be aware of your surroundings as criminals sometimes deliberately cause accidents, forcing you to stop so that they can rob you.

If it’s safe to get out of your vehicle, you are conscious and your injuries allow you to move around, you can follow these steps:

1.    Check if anyone else at the scene has been injured. 
2.    If there are injuries (yourself or others), contact emergency services immediately. Make sure this number is saved on your phone or where you can easily find it.
3.    Document the accident by noting exactly what happened before the accident and after the accident while it is still fresh in your memory. Leaving a voice note and taking photos can help with this. 
4.    Take photos of the vehicles before they are moved. 
5.    Get the details of the other driver(s)
a.)    Full name and surname
b.)    Contact details
c.)    Make and model of the vehicle (photo!)
d.)    Vehicle registration number (photo!)
e.)    Physical address
f. )    ID number

6.    If there are any witnesses, get their details also. Do not leave the scene before you have taken all these steps. 
7.    According to Section 61(1) (a-e) of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996), it is the responsibility and duty of every driver to report an accident in which a person or animal was killed or injured immediately, or at least within 24 hours after the occurrence, and not to remove any vehicle until such removal is authorised by a police official.

8.    Should your vehicle be unable to drive, phone a family member to come and collect you, and a tow truck company to collect your vehicle.
9.    That means, after you have summoned emergency personnel (if needed) and made sure to exchange details, you should phone the cops to come to the accident scene (or if it’s a small accident or the cops cannot be reached, or they cannot attend the scene, open a case at your nearest police station within 24 hours). Remember to get the case number! 
10.    Once you have a case number, call your insurance company and let them know you have been in an accident, and then some paperwork! 

If you are seriously injured or unconscious, make sure you have a document in your car containing your personal and medical information. If emergency services have access to this information, it can save vital time when it comes to saving your life.

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