Knowing what to do during a motor vehicle accident can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here is a step-by-step guide:

STOP THE VEHICLE TO ASSIST
When involved in a car accident, however slight, immediately stop your vehicle and assess any injuries. In accidents involving fatalities and injuries, stay at the scene until the police arrive. Failing to stop can result in penalties and imprisonment. If another person’s property is damaged, a report is necessary. To protect yourself and others, always put on your hazard lights and place an emergency triangle to warn drivers.

STAY CALM
It’s frustrating, it’s stressful, and you may react in anger – keep breathing, and make sure if you have an immediate injury and seek immediate medical attention.

CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES
Assess the situation and call emergency services. Give your name, number, location, and details of the car accident, including the number of individuals involved.

Call 10177: Ambulance
Call 10111: Police
Call 112: Emergency call centre

By law, you must call the police to the scene of a crash if anyone has been seriously injured or killed. You should also call the police if you suspect any of the drivers involved in the accident are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You must report the collision at the police station within 24 hours.

If you cannot do so because of your injuries, you must report it as soon as is reasonably practicable.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION
After a road accident, it’s legally required that you provide your information to anyone who has reasonable grounds to request it. This includes other drivers involved in the accident and law enforcement officers.

Information required: Name, ID numbers, address, vehicle registration number, details of drivers and witnesses, registration and license numbers of other vehicles involved.

AVOID ALCOHOL AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Do not consume alcohol or drugs. If a police officer requires a medical examination, you must avoid intoxicants until after the examination and report of the accident.

DOCUMENT THE SCENE
Record the date, time, weather conditions and location of the accident. Take photos and videos from multiple angles, including the scene, injuries, property damage, and surrounding area. Make a statement about how the accident happened.

Tips on what you should photograph with your phone after an accident:

a. The position of the vehicles involved in the accident.
b. A higher and full view of the accident scene and surroundings.
c. The 4 sides and 4 corners of the vehicle.
d. Angles of the damages to the vehicle.
e. License discs and plates of vehicles involved.
f. The vehicles attending to the scene – police, emergency services or private vehicles.
g. Any road marks, spills, road works, signs, kilometre markers, pedestrians or unique features.
h. Driving licenses and information of all drivers, passengers and personnel involved.

accidentANGELS: Guaranteed private hospitalisation after a road accident

We all know the feeling. Being in a car accident can feel extremely overwhelming. What can add to that daunting experience? Not having an accident plan in place to get high-quality medical treatment in case you’re injured.

 As an accidentANGELS member, you’re ensured of private hospital access in the case of an accident, up to R1 million in-patient costs and quick access to R10 000 in the emergency room. Check out our plans here.

Stay safe, know your rights, and remember: Don’t drive faster than your angel can fly!

Angel in Charge,
Trevor Case