Road Accidents – What To Do?
When a road accident occurs, it is not uncommon for the motorist or victim to be in a state of panic and anxiety on what one should do in the immediate aftermath. Moreover, it is quite common to have a couple of touts and tow truck operators present at the scene of the accident offering their advice on what the motorist and victim should be doing. In this article (which will be part of a series on Road Accidents), I will share with you what you should be doing and what you should not be doing in the unfortunate event that you are involved in a road accident.
Stay Calm
An accident had happened. It cannot be turned back and neither will anger over the other person do anything to reduce your damages or losses. Be rational. If you are a motorist and the damage is minimal to all parties involved, move your vehicle to the side of the road so that it does not obstruct other vehicles. If possible, however, do not remove your vehicle until the police comes over to take the necessary measurements at the scene of the accident.
Exchange Particulars
Note down the particulars of the vehicles involved (registration numbers, make of the vehicle (year and model), colour and road tax number). Write down the particulars of the driver / passengers / witnesses (Name, Address, Identity card number, Driving licence number and Telephone number).
Extra Evidence Is Better
If you are blessed with a camera with you, take photographs of the scene of the accident with the vehicles on site. If it is a digital camera that you are using, do not delete the file. Same goes for negatives on analog cameras. You will need these if required to prove them in Court.
Call Your Insurer
If your vehicle is immobile, call your Insurer. Most insurers now have 24hours auto-assist. Get them to dispatch a tow truck to the nearest workshop. Getting your insurer to appoint the tow truck is a safer option than to rely on any of the tow truck operators who may appear on the scene of the accident. This will prevent any chances of you being fleeced by unscrupulous tow truck operators or risk having your vehicle towed to an unauthorised workshop. Remember that most, if not all, insurers will require that vehicles be sent to their authorised workshops before they will even consider approving your insurance claim.
Lodge Police Report
Lodge a police report within 24 hours. Give as much details to the police as possible. Insist on writing the police report yourself if you are literate as I have seen many of those who claim that the police report written by the police differs from the actual version of the accident. Sign the police report only after you are satisfied that what is lodged is the correct version of the accident. Get a copy of the certified police report. You are entitled to purchase a copy. If you are injured, you may seek medical treatment first and then lodge the report soonest possible.
In the next instalment of the series on Road Accidents, I will share with you the types and procedures for insurance claims arising out of Road Accidents.
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