What to do after a car accident
Road fatalities statistics continue to spike each year on South African roads.
THE Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) released its annual South African road fatality statistics for 2016 and according to the report, 1 120 more people died on the roads in 2016 than in 2015, making the 2016 annual road death toll the highest one since 2007.
“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,” 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. 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. Do not try and help them yourself as this could make the injury worse,” advised Steward.
If you think 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 traffic officer has arrived.
You must be sure to get all the relevant information at the scene and to give yours 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 and 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,” said Steward.
According to Budget Insurance, the most important thing to do in an accident is to stay calm and stick to these steps:
1. Stop your car, put on your hazards and make sure that everyone is all right. If someone needs medical help, call emergency services on 10111, 112 or 10177. If nobody is injured, move straight to step two.
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 the accident, and the road and weather conditions.
5. If your car isn’t drivable, call your insurer to get an approved tow. Budget clients can call 0860 10 42 11.
6. Report the accident to the police within 48 hours to get a case number. Do this before submitting a claim.
“Damage to property aside, the speed of your reactions could well make a life-and-death difference,” concluded Steward.
Courtesy: Budget Insurance and Heart PR.
READ:
MEC saddened by the number of road fatalities
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