9 Accident Do's and Don'ts

• Supa Sassy-Tips/Guides

#Supasassy tips on what to do if your car decides to kiss another car

Everyone has some sort of life 'wish list' of things they'd like to accomplish during their time on earth. On the opposite side of the spectrum, however, is the 'I-hope-this-never-ever-happens-to-me' list of things – car accidents are one of them.

Amongst confusion, anger, and possible injury, it's important to keep your wits about yourself if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident. How you react afterwards can alleviate stress, avoid further injuries, and save you money in the long term. Try these tips:

1. Breathe – Compose yourself. Don't lose your temper or go into a state of panic.
2. Check if anyone is hurt – Determine if any parties involved including yourself have been injured in any way.
3. Call for emergency assistance – In the case of a medical emergency, call an ambulance on 10177 immediately. Clearly state the nature of the emergency, the details of the injuries involved, and the location of the incident. Do not move anyone who is injured unless their life is in critical danger. If resuscitation is required, do so only if you or someone on the scene has received CPR training before.
4. Call the police – Call 10111 or 112 from your cell phone. Be patient with call operators or automated menus as they are designed to assist you in the best way possible. Don't hang up unless instructed to do so.
5. Round up witnesses – If anyone witnessed your accident, ask them kindly to wait for the police to arrive or, at minimum, for their contact details. An independent third party version of the events can assist you with your insurance claim or any future court cases.
6. Swop details – This step is critical when it comes to compiling comprehensive police reports and insurance claims. Make sure to exchange all of the following information:
   1. Names and Surnames
   2. ID numbers
   3. Contact numbers
   4. License plates and registration numbers
   5. Physical addresses
   6. Insurance details
7. Compile evidence & take notes – Take photos to support any future claim or potential court case and make sure to note who is assisting you, from the police officers on duty, to the ambulance service, paramedics, or tow truck drivers on the scene.
8. Head off to the police station – Accidents should be reported within 24 hours of the incident, and ideally as soon as possible. You will need a written report and all the information listed above as insurance claims can only be processed with a case number supplied by the police.
9. Go easy on yourself – Accidents happen and feeling guilt, while natural, won't change anything. If necessary, seek trauma counselling to help you through the process.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational or informational purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The views expressed in this article are the views of the author and not necessarily the views of Supa Quick.