Tips and Advice in a Car Accident Situation

You hear a crunch and suddenly you’re in the middle of a minor car crash. Fortunately no-one is injured but your car is damaged and will have to be repaired. Keep this checklist handy so you know what to do in the event of an accident.

• Switch off vehicle
• Turn hazard lights on and erect a reflective triangle sign if you have one
• Make the accident scene safe – Keep everyone off the road and away from the accident
• See if anyone is hurt and render assistance to any injured people
• Stay calm and do not make any rash decisions or admit guilt or liability
• If Police Officer attends the accident, you must give your name and address
• Exchange details with involved party including registration number, name and insurance company details.
• Obtain contact details from any witnesses of the accident, and the incident reference number should the police attend
• If the police do not attend the accident, you must notify Police within 48 hours if there are any injuries and or if you damage another person’s car or property
• Do not drive your vehicle if it is not roadworthy
• If it needs to be towed advise your insurance company or tow truck driver that you want your vehicle to be repaired at Brown and Paterson.
• Get the contact details of your towing company and provide them with your insurance company details
• Alternatively call Brown and Paterson and we can arrange to get the car towed and delivered to our premises
• If your car is still roadworthy, drive it straight to Brown and Paterson.
• Lodge a claim with your insurance company (repairs cannot take place until the claim number has been accepted by your insurance company)
• Supply your insurance company with all details regarding the accident including the other parties’ details and the police incident number
• Once delivered to Brown and Paterson, the damage to your vehicle is then assessed
• We’ll give you an estimate of how long it will take to repair and the cost
• We’ll contact you as soon as your vehicle has been repaired, cleaned, inspected and ready to go