That is very unfortunate, but try and remain calm and follow our Top 10 tips for dealing with the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.

Remember, if you are concerned about anything at the accident scene, you are entitled to ask the Metro Police to assist you, especially if the other party refuses to give you details or is aggressive. It may also be a good idea to phone a family member or friend and ask them to assist you at the scene of the accident.

Please keep in mind that if you are injured you may be able to claim from the Road Accident Fund, so it is essential that you obtain the right information and contact details of various people as mentioned below.

Remember to log into this website with your mobile phone when at the scene of the accident so that you can access this article.

1. First things first: stop the damaged vehicle(s).
• Stop the vehicle immediately. If someone is badly injured, do not move the vehicle and call the police.
• If no one is injured and the vehicles(s) are a danger to other drivers, then move the vehicle off the road or to the side of the road.

2. If anyone is injured, here’s what to do:
• Contact the police and ask them to come to the accident scene. They will need to record all the details of the accident. Ask the police for their name and contact details.
• If you are injured but can still contact your medical aid from the scene, then do so. Notify them that you will need medical assistance and, if you need an ambulance, they will advise you which service is covered under your policy.
• You may also need to contact the medical services to assist others injured in the accident. You could ask the police to assist with contacting the medical services or you could arrange for medical assistance by phoning the medical emergency number.
• Obtain the contact details of the medical personal at the accident scene - you may need to contact them in the event of a Road Accident Fund claim.

3. Make sure you get the details of the other driver. All parties are required to provide their contact details to the driver of the other vehicle. These include:
• Full name
• Phone number and email
• Identification number
• If the vehicle is a work vehicle, obtain the details of the employer.

4. Remember to get the details of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident. These include:
• Car registration number
• Type, model and colour of the vehicle
• License expiry date (if the license has expired, the insurance company may not pay out).
• Take a photograph of the annual license disk on the windscreen.
• Also, take photos of the vehicle’s front and back, and any damage.

5. Don’t forget to also get the details of any other driver’s insurance company.
• Company name
• Contact details
• The insurance policy number (if the other party will give it to you)
• Claim reference number (if the other driver has already reported the incident to their insurer)

6. Calmly and accurately write down the details of the accident.
• Date and time of accident
• Address of accident
• Take photos of the scene from different angles
• Take pictures of the damaged vehicles and any other damaged property
• Take notes of what happened, including a drawing of the road and where the vehicles were travelling, using arrows and lines.
• Weather conditions
• Road conditions
• Witness contact details and statements
• Take photos of any injuries

7. Be smart: do not accept any liability.
• Just stick to the facts of what happened but do not accept liability, like being bullied into saying it was your fault.
• Once the insurers and police have reviewed the evidence, they will determine whom they consider to be at fault.

8. Report the accident to your insurer
• Do this immediately.
• Let your insurer guide your regarding the towing of your vehicle and other information they may need.
• Your insurer should be able to access your policy details, using your ID number.

9. Towing? Here’s the low-down.
• Remove all valuables from the vehicle.
• Get the tow truck driver's contact details.
• Take down the registration number of the tow truck.
• Confirm the exact address that the vehicle is being taken to.
o If the vehicle is insured, find out from your insurer where your vehicle must go. This is usually to an approved panel beater. Do this to avoid paying unnecessary storage costs.
o If your vehicle is not insured, you make the call.  Ideally, have it taken to a reputable panel beater. Make sure to find out if you are liable for any storage costs.
• Before the vehicle is towed away, check with the tow truck driver whether the insurance company will settle the bill directly.
o If yes, confirm this with your insurer.
o If no, first check with your insurer.
o If you must pay directly, try to negotiate a better price or look at other services.

10. Report the accident to the nearest police station.
• Do this within 24 hours.
• You must provide all the details, including the details of the people involved.
• Remember to ask for a copy of the statement that you provided.
• They will give you a case number.
• Each case will be investigated by an officer.

Keep these numbers handy in case you are involved in or witness an accident:

• Police Flying Squad - 10111
• Ambulance - 10177
• Cell phone emergency - 112 (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and 8ta)
• Difficulty with Emergency Services - 1022