Chances are at some point in your life you will be confronted with or involved in a motor vehicle accident. Whether minor or major, there are certain things you can do to help the situation for yourself and others involved.
If you are involved in a serious accident, the most important thing to consider is your own personal safety and then the safety of those involved. Ensure the accident area is secure and there is no threat of further danger to anyone. Remove yourself from any immediate danger.
Contact the relevant authorities as soon as you can, call 111 and report the incident to the police and request an ambulance if required. If there are injuries, give the paramedics as much information as possible and follow their instructions.
It is important for insurance reasons that the drivers exchange details. The police will ensure the details of the drivers are recorded but if possible exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, registration numbers and relevant insurance details with the other driver. Also record important information about the accident such as time, location, weather and road conditions to give to your insurer and the police. Also for insurance purposes, it pays to collect the details of any witnesses to the accident.
Give a detailed account of what happened to relevant parties but do not admit any liability for the accident. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and report the incident.
If you are able, you will then need to organise your car to be towed to a desirable destination. Many insurance policies have roadside assistance cover and can assist with organising towage. Contact your roadside assistance provider to have your car moved to a repairer.
Motor vehicle accidents can be very traumatic and you may feel any number of emotions after an accident. Shock, panic and anxiety are common and can all have physical symptoms. If you have sustained any injuries however minor it pays to get the all clear from a medical person before leaving the scene. Notify your doctor or emergency services if you suffer delayed effects from the accident.
New Zealand has a reasonably high rate of road accidents each year. New Zealand roads are known to be particularly hazardous in some areas. Whenever you’re on the road, stick to the speed limit, drive to the conditions and take regular breaks if you are travelling a long distance.
Remember the most important thing to do after an accident is to take care of your own safety before attempting to help others.