Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to do immediately afterward can protect your safety, rights, and legal claims. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the steps you should take after an accident in New South Wales.
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first priority is your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident.
• Check for injuries: If anyone is injured, call 000 for emergency services immediately.
• Move to safety: If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them off the road to avoid further accidents.
• Stay at the scene: Never leave the accident scene until it is appropriate to do so.
Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor as some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident
In NSW, certain car accidents must be reported to the police, including:
• If someone is injured or killed.
• If the other driver fails to stop or exchange details.
• If there is significant property damage (generally over $3,000).
You can report the accident online via the NSW Police Community Portal or by calling 131 444.
- Exchange Information
It’s essential to exchange details with the other parties involved in the accident. Collect the following:
• Name, address, and contact details of the other driver(s).
• Registration number of the vehicles involved.
• Insurance details (if available).
• Witness information: Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
If the other driver refuses to provide their details, report this to the police as soon as possible.
- Gather Evidence
The information you gather at the scene can be crucial for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Take the following steps if it is safe to do so:
• Photographs: Capture images of the damage to all vehicles, the scene of the accident, licence plates, and any road conditions or signage that may be relevant.
• Notes: Write down details of how the accident occurred, including the time, date, location, and weather conditions.
• Police report number: If the police attend, ask for the event number.
This evidence can protect you if there are disputes about what happened.
- Lodge a Claim with Your Insurance or CTP Insurer
Once you have reported the accident and gathered the necessary details, you can start the claims process:
• Notify your insurer: Inform your insurance provider about the accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Lodge a CTP claim: If you were injured, lodge a claim with the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer of the at-fault vehicle.
• Seek legal advice: If you are unsure about your rights or need assistance with the claims process, contact a lawyer who specialises in motor vehicle accidents.
In NSW, you generally have 28 days to lodge an accident notification claim with the CTP insurer and three months to submit a full claim form.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If you have sustained injuries or are facing complications with your insurance claim, seeking legal advice can help you understand your entitlements. At Lopes Legal, we offer expert advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Lopes Legal Can Help
At Lopes Legal, we specialise in motor vehicle accident claims, helping clients in NSW navigate the legal and insurance processes with ease. From lodging claims to negotiating settlements, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
