It is unfortunate that we have let society dictate that corruption has the final say on who is at fault when you are involved in an accident! That is not right and should not be the case.
This is how is works;
Dont rush to get out of your car
First, your car needs to be immobilised before you leave the controls. Otherwise, you may worsen the situation and increase your repair bill, something you auto insurance provider will not like. Secondly, you should be wary of gangsters who cause minor accidents in order to rob other motorists. The only exception to this rule is if there is another immediate danger such as an open fire or smoke coming from any of the cars involved in the accident.
Check if you are alright
Check for signs of blood, and for any pain that may indicate a fracture or soft tiytssue damage. If you have knocked your head, beware of a concussion. Any signs of dizziness mean that you need to get quick medical attention.
Put your hazard lights on
Before stepping out of your car, shut the engine, apply the handbrake and put on your hazard lights.
Make contact with the other driver
Realise that the other driver is also tense, and how you make contact will determine whether you end up with a shouting contest or an amicable solution. Whether you feel you are not to blame, do not spook the other driver. First, show concern for the driver and the safety of his passengers before talking about the car. If he needs urgent help, you are best placed to facilitate it. If you are the culprit, your third party cover from your motor insurance provider is meant for the benefit of other road users.
Place the Lifesaver on the Road
If the accident is serious and it is clear that the cars will be on the scene for a while, then place lifesavers on the road to warn oncoming drivers of the accident. Failure to warn oncoming drivers can lead to a compound accident. This will complicate how your motor insurance company handles the situation.
Assess the damage
Carry out a quick assessment of the damage to your car. Do not assume that because the impact took place at a low speed the damage on your car is minimal. Check for cracks on lights, dents and any leaks coming from your car. If the damage is minor, and you think there’s no need to involve your motor insurance provider, negotiate with the other person and if you agree, let it rest.
Call the Police
If the situation is beyond what you can handle, call the nearest police officer. The police officer will assess the damage and will determine who is at fault. Do not move your car before the police officer arrives, and get in touch with your insurance agent for further advice on what to do. It may be helpful to take photos of the accident scene before the cars move. Scan the general area to confirm that it is safe for you to wait there.
Report the incident to Your Motor Insurance provider
Once you have all the information you need from the scene, report the incident formally to your motor insurance provider. Based on their assessment, a decision will be taken on whether you can drive to the nearest authorized garage, or whether you will need a tow truck to move the car. The insurance company will also send an assessor to determine the value of damage to your car.
Fill a Motor Claim Form
This form is your formal application to the insurance company to settle your claims based on your policy. The insurance company considers your application and set in motion the process of compensating you. After you have filled the motor claim form, you send it back with required attachments such as a copy of the motor claim form, a police abstract, and a copy of your driver’s license. If in the assessment of the insurance company your car is damaged beyond repair, then the insurance company will write it off, and pay the claim. Otherwise, it will issue the authority to repair the car if the value of the damage is less than 50% of the insured sum.
What insurance company will need
Drivers License Details
Always remember to collect the driver’s license details of the other driver when you are involved in a car accident. One of the things every auto insurance company wants to be certain about is that every claim they handle result from legal usage of motor vehicles. In this regard, they like to be sure that the drivers were both legally on the road. Apart from that, it is important to have personally identifiable data from the other driver to facilitate the claims process.
Insurance Policy Details
Write down the policy details on the other car’s insurance cover. If the other driver is on the wrong, his insurance company should compensate you for the accident. In this regard, your auto insurance company will need the policy details to process the claim from the other insurance company. Getting this policy number and the insurance company that issued it also adds another layer of information that can help to identify the car in case of any eventualities.
Service Number of Police Officer
Also get the service number of the police officer that comes assess the accident. Each policeman has a service number usually pinned on the lapel of the jacket or on the shirt pocket. This serves to prove that the matter was reported to the authorities and blame was assigned based on this. This number, alongside an incident report should be linked to the base station where the traffic police officers operates. Getting the details right makes the claims process easier for you.
Vehicle Registration Number
Don’t forget to note the registration number of the vehicles involved in the accident. This number can be used to trace a hit and run car. In many cases, it is the only information you can get from a car that refuses to stop after getting an accident.
