The screech of brakes, whiplash in your neck and crunch of your vehicle colliding with another is always a traumatic and frightening experience – no matter who’s at fault. From a simple bumper bashing to a complete write-off, being involved in a car accident can render you unable to think clearly in order to carry out the simplest of tasks.
While accidents are an everyday occurrence in South Africa, it’s helpful to know the correct procedure to follow to help you stay calm and make sense of the situation before you get your damaged car removed from the scene.
Here are 8 steps to take whether its a fender-bender or multi-vehicle pile-up:
#1 Stop & stay at the scene
Bring your car to an immediate halt, switch on your hazard lights, take out your safety triangle and place it a fair distance behind your car (if it is safe to do so).
The law in SA requires you to stop your vehicle after a crash. According to Arrive Alive, if you fail to stop after an accident you will be liable for prosecution and, if convicted, fined up to R36 000 or sent to prison for up to 9 years. Failing to pull over is considered a ‘hit and run’, even if nobody is killed or seriously injured in the accident.
Even if you crash into someone else’s property (for example a robot or your neighbour’s garage door or wall), you must stop and report it to the police. The only instance when it is not necessary to stop and report the incident is when you collide with a tree and damage only your car and no one else.
#2 Check for injuries
Before looking your car up and down for the tiniest scratch, investigate whether you, the other driver, pedestrians or passengers have any injuries.
If someone is hurt, call the ambulance by dialling 10177. Be sure to share your name, number, location, details of the incident and any injuries with the responder.
#3 Call the police
By law, you are required to call the police to the scene if anyone is seriously injured or has died in the accident. The SAPS should also be summoned if any drivers involved in the collision are considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To call the cops, dial 10111 and do not move anything from the scene until they have arrived and given you permission to do so.
In the instance of a fender bender where there are no injuries and only a slightly damaged car, the accident must be reported at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Make sure that you receive a case number from the police for insurance purposes.
#4 Exchange information with other persons involved
It is important to write down the following information concerning the other driver involved in the accident (they will also require the same info from you):
- Name
- ID number
- Car registration number
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company
- Car make, model and colour
- Date and time of the accident
- Details of any eyewitnesses
#5 Document the scene
Snap some photos of the damaged car/s and the surrounding area. Scribble down all road names, landmarks, intersections and robots as well as the weather conditions, location of potholes and skid marks on the road.
It is also helpful to take note of the information of any tow-truck company that assists on the scene.
Once it is safe to do so, clear the road for traffic to pass by again safely.
#6 Get your vehicle towed (if necessary)
If you have a badly damaged or non-running vehicle that cannot be moved, call a tow truck company to attend to your vehicle (do not just use any tow truck company that arrives on the scene).
Before the tow-truck company loads up your car, find out their name, contact details and information concerning where your vehicle is being taken.
If it becomes necessary to sell your accident-damaged car, a reputable auto salvage dealer like Sell Your Damaged Car will provide you with free towing, handle all your paperwork and offer you a competitive cash price.
#7 Alert your insurer
If you have an insurance company, inform them that you have been in an accident and give them the police case number. Be honest about your injuries, car damage and the series of events leading up to the collision.
#8 Repair or sell your damaged car
If it’s a minor bump or scratch, you may opt to fix the ding at a trusted repair shop or panel beater. (This is a good option if it comes at a small price relative to the overall cost of the car).
But, if your vehicle is seriously damaged or not running at all, it might be better to cut your losses and sell (which will probably work out cheaper and less stressful in the long run).
Do your homework, read reviews and make sure that you sell your accident-damaged car to a reputable auto salvage dealer for the best cash price!
