What to do after a road accident

WITH 1 120 more people dying on the country’s roads in 2016 than the year before, it is worrying how few South Africans seem to know what action to take after an accident – especially when you consider that quick reactions could make a life-or-death difference.

“Even though accidents are a frighteningly common occurrence on our roads, it’s scary how many people have no idea what to do after they have one,” Budget Insurance spokeswoman Susan Steward said.

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 are required by law to stop your vehicle,” Steward says.

After you’ve stopped, and if you are not badly hurt, you need to find out if others are injured. In this case you will need to call emergency services. Do not try and help them yourself as this could make the injury worse.

If you’re seriously injured or even concussed, don’t attempt to move out of your vehicle. Unless there is an immediate danger, like smoke coming out of the car, rather wait for someone to help you.

Also, if someone is injured in the accident, the vehicles may not be moved before the police or a traffic officer has arrived, Steward says.

Make sure you get all the relevant information at the scene and give your details to the other party involved.

This includes: full names, ID numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle registrations as well as descriptions of the vehicles, details of police and traffic officers, and ambulance personnel, as well as details of tow truck personnel.

“This information will assist you in claiming from insurance, from the Road Accident Fund as well as for the police case report,” Steward says.

The most important thing is to stay calm and stick to these steps:

1 Stop your car, put on your hazards and make sure everyone is OK. If someone needs medical help, call emergency services on 10111, 112 or 10177. If nobody is injured, move straight to step 2.

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

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

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

5 If your car isn’t drivable, call your insurer to get an approved tow.

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