Things Not To Do After A Car Accident

We don’t tend to think rational thoughts when we’ve had a not at fault accident.  We jump to conclusions as we come to terms with what’s happened.  Some might run to grab someones throat, while another might sit in shock.  All the while, we forget about the immediate problem and how to find a repairer, like the panel beaters in Elwood.  It’s not that car smash repairs are a nightmare, but they can cause some drama if you do certain things post-smash.  Here’s a list of things not to do after a car accident.  You’ll thank us later.

Leave the accident

While it might be your natural reaction to run straight to the panel beaters in Elwood or elsewhere in Melbourne, you need to stay.  It doesn’t matter if you’re in a not at fault accident, by law you have to stop.  Car smash repairs can be minimal but it’s always best to check the other driver, both vehicles and exchange details.  It’s against the law if you don’t help an injured person.  Stay at the scene, call the police and help where you can.

Forget to call the police

It’s in your best interest to get the police involved.  Whether you’re at fault or not, it’s better to get a police report.  It will help when you claim your insurance and car smash repairs later.  It’s a scary thought, particularly if you’re in a not at fault accident.  There are many drivers on the road who don’t have car insurance.  If you get involved with one of these drivers, you might get yourself stuck down the track.  It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it doesn’t hurt to call the police and report the accident.

Get angry and retaliate 

Nobody wants to deal with Mr or Mrs Grouch when it comes to a not at fault accident.  You should keep yourself together, regardless of what the other driver has done or says to you.  You should do your best to stay calm, ring the police and check if everyone is alright.  Getting angry affects your ability to think rational thoughts.  You’ll struggle to assess the situation and fail to record everything you need to.  On the flip side, you should never admit to fault.  Be considerate and respectful, whilst protecting yourself. 

Forget to get the right details

Before you’re running to the panel beaters in Elwood or Melbourne, you need to have all the correct details.  When you’re at the accident site, figure out what happened.  Call the police and retell your account of the accident.  Make sure you take the other drivers details.  This includes: license number, address, registration number, insurance company name and policy number.  Take as many photos as you can with your phone and note the make and model of the other vehicle involved.  It’s handy to also take the contact details of any witnesses to the crash.  It might help you during the car smash repairs claim later.