Important things to remember in the event of a car accident

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) recently released its annual road fatality statistics for 2016.

According to the report, 1 120 more people died on the roads in 2016 compared to 2015, the highest annual road death toll since 2007.

“It’s scary how many people have no idea what to do after they have an accident,” says Budget Insurance’s spokesperson Susan Steward.

The first thing to do after you are involved in an accident is to stop.

“In an accident that causes injury and/or death or which causes damage to property, a person or any animal, you’re required by law to stop your vehicle,” says Steward.

After you’ve stopped, and if you’re not badly hurt, you need to find out if others are injured. In this case, call emergency services.

Make sure to get all the relevant information at the scene and to give yours to the other party involved. This includes details of police and traffic officers and ambulance personnel and details of tow truck personnel,” said Steward.

According to Budget Insurance, the most important thing to do in an accident is to stay calm and stick to these steps:

Stop your car, put on your hazards and make sure that everyone is okay. If someone needs medical help, call emergency services on 10111, 112 or 10177.

Take photos of all damage to the vehicles and/or property.

If possible, move the vehicles out of the road if they’re obstructing traffic.

Exchange the following information: full names, ID numbers and contact details; vehicle registrations and descriptions; location and time of the accident; and the road and weather conditions.

If your car isn’t drivable, call your insurer to get an approved tow. Budget clients can call 086010-42-11.

Report the accident to the police within 48 hours to get a case number. Do this before submitting a claim.