An accident is an unplanned and uncontrolled event, and it isn’t something you really want to think about. Knowing what to do after a car accident and which important steps to follow can make the whole experience 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 safely, stay alert and obey the laws, but you cannot predict what will happen. Being prepared and knowing what to do after a car accident is one of the best things 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.
What to do after a car accident
When involved in an accident, the most important thing to do is to try to remain calm, and observe and collect as much information as you can.
Regarding the above, read the following guidelines on what to do after a car accident.
These guidelines will help protect your own safety, the safety of anyone else involved and ensure that everything is properly documented for insurance and legal purposes.
Stay put. Don’t leave the scene until you have completed 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 okay, 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 follow certain important steps. 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 often follow the occurrence of an accident and, depending on the circumstances, you may 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 dependants of those killed, in motor vehicle accidents within South Africa’s borders. You may 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 give the attorney the best possible opportunity to investigate the merits of the matter and obtain all the relevant medical documentation required to comply with and lodge the claim.
Knowing what to do after a car accident can therefore also include seeking legal advice where you have been injured and believe you may have a Road Accident Fund claim.
Gert Nel Incorporated is known to the Road Accident Fund and its panel attorneys as formidable opponents who do not back down and work to ensure claims are properly pursued on behalf of their clients.
When considering an attorney, make sure you choose an attorney who understands Road Accident Fund claims and can help you understand the compensation that may be available in your circumstances.
Gert Nel Incorporated Attorneys is such a firm, committed to providing clients with peace of mind, guidance and professional support throughout the claims process.
Accidents do happen
It is an awful experience to have a car accident.
Understanding what to do after a car accident and remembering these important steps can assist you in coping with the unfortunate experience and help you protect the information you may need afterwards.
Gert Nel Incorporated strives to ensure that whatever happens after an accident is aimed at supporting the injured client and guiding them through the next steps, with the knowledge that their prospective claim is being handled with care.
- 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/
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