We often take for granted getting back home safe and sound after any journey. Yet if you find yourself involved in a car accident, you’ll be thankful when you know what to do to handle the situation as calmly as possible.
From being prepared with first aid tools, to calling roadside assistance and contacting your insurance company, we take a look at everything you need to know about dealing with a car accident in New Zealand.
What to Do When You've Been Involved in a Car Accident
1) Stay Calm
The first thing to do if you are involved in a car accident is to stay calm. Even though your adrenaline will be pumping, and your mind will be racing, try to take a few deep breaths to allow your nervous system to settle.
That way, you’ll be able to objectively assess the situation and make the right choices next.
2) Check for Injuries
From there, check yourself and other passengers for any injuries and look around the vehicle for signs of damage. Treat non-emergency injuries with equipment in your car emergency kit, and if anyone appears to have suffered severe injuries or seems unconscious, call 111 immediately for the ambulance service.
It’s important to remember that even if you feel OK, you need to exit the vehicle carefully, especially if the incident occurred on a highway or busy street. Don’t forget to switch on your hazard lights and if necessary or possible, move your car to a safe space.
3) Collect Driver Details
After any injuries have been attended to, it’s time to exchange personal information with the driver/s. Be sure to record the following details:
- Car make and model
- Registration Plate numbers
- Drivers licence numbers
- Insurance providers
- Driver’s contact details
And remember, if the other driver asks you, you’re legally required to tell them your name and address, your vehicle’s registration number, and, if you don’t own the vehicle, the name and address of the owner. It also pays to look around for witnesses. If anyone saw the accident and can provide statements, remember to get their name, address and phone number too.
4) When to Contact Your Local Police
If the crash causes injuries that require medical attention or a hospital admission (such as concussion or broken bones), call 105 or contact your local police. You need to report the incident as soon as you can and no later than 24 hours from the time of the crash.
If you’re involved in a hit and run, try to get the other car’s licence plate number, then call the police. The police will give you a crime number and investigate further. Be sure to get the contact details of any witnesses who can corroborate your version of events, and do not leave the scene to go after the runaway driver.
If the crash involved another person's property, such as a fence, you should report it to the owner of the property within 48 hours of the crash. If the owner cannot be located, report it to the police within 60 hours of the crash.
If you do contact your local police, it pays to ensure the police report captures the other driver's full details, because the police file will be used to seek compensation or pursue legal action against the offending party's insurer.
5) Take Notes and Photos
Detailed evidence might be needed after an incident occurs, so remember to take notes and photos of the accident scene. Write down or note in your phone everything you remember about what happened including:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Road and weather conditions
- Your travelling speed
And take photos of:
- The position of the vehicles in relation to the street
- Any tyre tread marks
- All damages to help insurers determine who was at fault
On that note, it’s always best to avoid discussions about responsibility. Don’t verbalise whose fault you think the accident was. If you say you were at fault, there’s a chance your insurance company will refuse to pay out. Plus, emotions can run high after a car accident. If you believe the other driver is impaired or aggressive, avoid assigning blame.
6) Call Roadside Assistance or Tow Truck
If your car isn't driveable after the accident, you’ll need to call reliable roadside assistance like Suzuki Roadside Assist to tow your vehicle away. Alternatively, you can contact a tow truck company to pick up your vehicle.
Some companies charge extra fees for towing your car, while others offer competitive rates. You have the option to compare their rates and services before settling on a provider, if it is practical to do at the time.
What to do after you’ve had a car accident
1) Monitor for Post-Injuries
After a car accident, you might experience post-injury symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
It’s important to monitor any symptoms closely and seek medical attention if needed. Remember that it can take up to two days for injuries to become apparent. Pay close attention to your body and see your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
2) Claim Immediately
After the car accident, file a claim with your insurer as soon as possible. Don't wait for the police report or your insurance company to get in touch. Filing an immediate claim can help to ensure you receive maximum compensation to cover any medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and/or car replacement costs.
3) Coordinate Any Necessary Arrangements
Depending on your insurance cover, you may be required to coordinate with your carrier for your car to be picked up and dropped off for assessment and/or repair.
How to prepare for car accidents
Here are a few tips to make sure you're prepared if you ever find yourself in a car accident:
Prioritize first aid tools - Does your car emergency kit include bandages, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, dressings, antiseptic cream, and other first aid tools? Make sure you always carry at least one of each item in case you need to treat minor cuts, scrapes, burns, or blisters.
Ensure your vehicle is insured in advance - Having a comprehensive insurance policy will help cover the costs of future accidents, or at the very least third party insurance to cover the damage to other vehicles or property. Beyond that, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of various policies, so you know the extent of each coverage and the claim process.
Drive safely - It may not be possible to prevent accidents from occurring, but you can reduce them significantly by driving defensively. Once you hit the road, you want to avoid distractions by switching off your phone or attaching it to a hands-free device. You also want to observe all the traffic rules and leave a bit of space so you can anticipate what other drivers are likely to do.
Key Takeaways
To recap, when you're in a car accident in New Zealand, remember to:
- Keep calm, and check for any injuries
- Switch on your hazard lights, move your car to safe space if needed
- Take notes, photos and record the accident and other driver’s details
- Call the ambulance if serious medical attention is required, or the local police to report any injuries, if you’ve been involved in a hit and run or there’s damage to property
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible
After you’ve handled all the details of a car accident and the claim has been settled, it might be time to look into buying a new car. It pays to do your research and consider any specific safety measures you might want included in your new purchase.
If you’re looking for help to decide on a quality-assured and affordable vehicle, check out our Complete Guide to Buying a New Car today.
