An accident is an unplanned and uncontrolled event, and it isn’t something you really want to think about. Knowing a few important steps to follow when involved in a car accident makes the event easier to deal with.
No-one wants to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. We all do our best to avoid them, but as just mentioned, it is an unplanned and uncontrolled event. You may not be able to control future events – you can, however drive safe, be alert and obey the laws, but you cannot predict what will happen. Being prepared for if you are ever involved in a car accident is the most you can do.
Motor vehicle accident statistics
Some terrible and sobering statistics from a press release by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in April 2017 stated that there were 235 deaths over the Easter period.
During this period 61 340 motorists were charged with various offences including failing to wear seatbelts, using their cellphones while driving, speeding and overloading. More than 2 800 motorists were arrested for drunken, inconsiderate, reckless and negligent driving, possession of false documentation and driving without licences and public driver’s permits.
These shocking statistics should inspire you to be alert and prepared on the roads.
Steps to follow when involved in a car accident
When involved in an accident, the most important thing to do is to try remain calm, and observe and collect as much information as you can.
Regarding the above, read the following guidelines and steps to follow when involved in a car accident.
These guidelines will ensure your own safety, the safety of anyone else involved and that everything is properly documented for insurance and legal purposes.
- Stay put. Don’t leave the scene until you have done all of the crucial steps that follow this one.
You will most probably be in shock and confused for a while. Try to remain calm, take a moment or two, and breathe. - Ensure that everyone involved is ok, and call an ambulance if someone has been injured.
- Document the accident; take pictures before the vehicles are moved away. Take note of what happened just before and after the accident.
- Get the details of the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
You need the following information from them:- Full name and surname
- Telephone number
- ID number
- Address
- Email address
- Vehicle registration
- Details of the vehicle involved in the accident
- Witness details
- Visit the closest police station to report the accident, unless this has occurred at the scene.
- Call your insurance company and let them know you have been in an accident.
It is important to note that Section 61 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (‘the Act’) requires a driver involved in an accident where a person or animal is killed or injured or any property (including another vehicle) is damaged, to take note of crucial steps to follow when involved in a car accident. Not following them could jeopardise your insurance claim.
Read on about an attorney you can contact for help with your claim when experiencing problems with your insurance claim.
Unfortunately injuries almost always follows the occurrence of an accident and so you night have a claim for personal injury.
Gert Nel Incorporated, Attorneys
Gert Nel Incorporated is a firm of specialised personal injury attorneys who are able to represent you with a claim against the Road Accident Fund.
Compensation is available from the Road Accident Fund for victims injured or to dependents of those killed in motor vehicle accidents within South Africa’s borders. You would benefit from using the services of a highly skilled attorney to assist you with your claim.
It is of the utmost importance to get started as soon as possible with the investigation of a claim to afford the attorney the best possible opportunity to investigate the merits of the matter and to obtain all the relevant medical documentation to comply with and lodge the claim.
Gert Nel Incorporated is known to the Road Accident Fund and their panel attorneys as formidable opponents who don’t back down and always ensure claims are settled, alternatively adjudicated to their clients’ utmost advantage.
When considering an attorney make sure you choose an attorney that will ensure that you will enjoy the widest possible cover offered by the Road Accident Fund.
Gert Nel Incorporated Attorneys is such an attorneys firm as they are committed to your peace of mind and providing excellent service with sterling results.
Accidents do happen
It is an awful experience to have a car accident.
Memorising these important steps to follow when involved in a car accident will assist you in coping with the unfortunate event of being in an accident.
Gert Nel Incorporated strives to ensure that whatever happens after an accident is aimed at supporting the injured client, comforting them with the knowledge that they have a secure financial and medical safety net in their prospective claims
- http://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/after-a-car-accident-first-steps.html
- https://www.firstforwomen.co.za/blog-vault/what-to-do-in-case-of-a-car-accident/
- https://businesstech.co.za/news/columns/124451/why-you-should-never-leave-the-scene-of-an- accident-unlawfully-in-sa/
images from fotolia.com
