Even a minor car accident is nothing to sneeze at. These experiences can completely throw you into a panic, but there’s something that can add to the stress of the situation… And that’s NOT knowing what to do.
Being the kindhearted souls that we are, we’ve put together a handy guide to keep you from making common mistakes at the scene of a car accident. The hope is that these will help you remain calm (as calm as you can be) so that you don’t get overwhelmed and ensure a smoother claims process later on.
Here’s our top list of DON’TS that should help if you’re involved in a car accident.
- DON’T leave the scene
No matter what, don’t leave the scene of the accident. Running away can get you into serious trouble. Stay put, breathe through any momentary panic, and assess the situation.
- DON’T move injured people
If someone is injured, don’t try to move them. Moving an injured person could make their injuries worse. Call for an ambulance and wait for the professionals.
- DON’T forget to call the police
If there are injuries or if any state property is damaged, then officially, an offence has been committed. In this case, you have to call the police. They need to be there, and you need to stay until they give you the okay to leave. If there weren’t injuries or property damage, you still need to report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Not only because it’s a legal requirement, but you also need a case number for your claim.
- DON’T delay telling us
We’re here for you, but we can’t actually do what we need to do to get you through this if you don’t call us. For starters, if your car needs to be towed you need to call us to arrange this for you. Any other towing services won’t be covered by us. Additionally, once you’ve called us, we can give you the next steps, like making sure you’ve snapped pictures and gotten the details of any other drivers.
- DON’T skip taking photos
Speaking of snapping pictures… Don’t forget to take lots of photos. You need pics of your car, other cars involved, number plates, licence disks, street names, and any landmarks. Your memory might get fuzzy, but the photos will help you remember. Oh, and these pics need to be sent to us, but don’t worry. We’ll ask you for what we need.
- DON’T drive away without checking your car
Before you drive off, make sure your car is safe to operate. Don’t assume it’s fine, so make sure that you check thoroughly. If you’re unsure, call us and our approved towing services will be dispatched, pronto. Don’t risk your car and your own safety.
- DON’T ignore witnesses
Don’t neglect to get the names and contact details of any witnesses. This info can be vital if you need to prove the accident wasn’t your fault, and actually, we do need those details as part of processing your claim. So don’t skip this step.
The king’s got your back
So, there you have it. A list of the things you should absolutely NOT forget to do if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Accidents are stressful, but knowing what not to do can help you stay composed and handle the situation effectively. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be better prepared to deal with the aftermath of a car accident.
Of course, we can help you on the spot if you have the king’s car insurance. Remember, with King Price, you’re not just getting insurance. You’re getting peace of mind, premiums you can afford, and the best service.
Click here or pop us a WhatsApp on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free car insurance quote.
Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
