EMPD’s guide to what to do after an accident

Whether you are a driver, passenger or even an onlooker, a road accident is an unpredictable and often sudden situation in which to find yourself.

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As upsetting as the ordeal may be, you need to be quick thinking to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
What do you do once you are over the initial shock?

Here’s the EMPD’s guide to what todo after an accident:

• Stop your car and stay at the scene

Stop your vehicle and immediately switch on your hazards to warn other drivers.

Climb out of your car if it is safe to do so and check if anyone has been hurt.

Make note of the position of the vehicles by either photographing the scene or marking the road before attempting to move any cars that are disrupting the traffic.

Take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles involved in the incident.

If the vehicles cannot be moved, then you need to call a towing service.

If commuters or pedestrians have been injured, or if a property has been damaged, you must remain at the scene of an accident until the police have arrived.

• Help anyone who has been hurt

As a bystander, you have a moral obligation to help someone who has been hurt in a road accident.

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Help includes contacting an ambulance or rescue unit, even if the injuries do not appear to be serious.

It’s critical that you don’t move the injured party.

Do not administer first aid, unless you are qualified to do so.

• Get the information

Record the details of everyone involved in the road accident, including personal details, a full description of the vehicle including registration numbers, tow-truck information and insurance details.

Take note of all road names, landmarks, intersections and traffic lights.

This information will be used to draw a sketch and description of the accident on your police report and for insurance purposes.

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Ensure that you get the following information from the other party:

• Full names (first and middle names and initials and surnames)

• ID number

• Car registration number

• Address

• Cellphone number and other telephone contact details (work and home)

• Insurance company details

• Make, model and color of the other vehicle

• Date and time of the crash

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• Details of any eyewitnesses.

• Report the accident

Inform the police within 24 hours of the road accident.

If the police come to the scene, don’t move anything until they say you may.

Ensure that you get an Accident Report (AR) number, as this is needed for any insurance claim or third-party claim you may lodge.

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