What to Do After a Car Accident?

After you have been involved in a car accident your first priority is naturally to your health and safety and of those around you, which might include the need to remove any obvious dangers (where possible) that may be obstructing other road users. 

If anyone is seriously injured or is in imminent danger then you should immediately contact Triple Zero, 000. 

If anyone has been injured you are legally obliged to exchange your name, address, registration and ownership details with the other driver and/or owner and/or other injured party.

The police should also be notified of the accident if:

• any person is injured or is killed in the accident; or
• appropriate details were not exchanged by any person; or
• any car involved in the accident is towed away.

If there were no injuries involved then the Queensland Police appear to be content with you notifying them of accidents via an on-line form, provided that:

• there was no damage to public infrastructure (eg bridges, boomgates etc);
• there is no suspected drugs or alcohol involved.
• there are no hazards such as oil spill involved.
• the drivers all exchanged appropriate details.
• there are no drivers involved who have impairments or disabilities requiring police assistance.

It is a good idea to take photographs of the positions of the vehicles (to avoid later dispute about that issue) and also any damage to any of the vehicles or any other property.

If your vehicle requires towing, you should contact your own insurance company and a reputable towing company (your insurer may be able to assist) while at the scene.

It is usually best not to make any admissions of fault or liability at the accident scene (that can sometimes invalidate your insurance).

Once these more urgent steps are taken, it is advisable to seek immediate medical advice if you suffered any injury.

If it becomes evident your injuries will be long-lasting it is also worthwhile contacting a reputable personal injury lawyer to consider the merits of bringing a motor vehicle accident claim.  Time limits apply so early contact is very much recommended.