What to Do After a Car Accident in Launceston: Step-by-Step
Every driver hopes they will never be involved in a car accident, but accidents can unfortunately happen to even the safest and most responsible road users. Even if you follow every road rule and stay alert behind the wheel, you can never guarantee that other drivers are doing the same.
In the moments after a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. Important details can easily be forgotten in the stress of the situation, especially when most people simply want to move themselves and their vehicle away from the scene as quickly as possible.
Approximately 64% of Australian drivers over the age of 18 have experienced at least one car crash in their lifetime, making it important for all road users to understand the correct steps to take after an accident.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
After an accident, your first priority should always be safety.
Start by checking yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so even if you feel fine at first, pay attention to any dizziness, bleeding or discomfort. Next, check on your passengers and the occupants of the other vehicle if it is safe to do so. If anyone appears seriously injured, avoid moving them unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Get to Safety
If your vehicle is drivable, pull over to the side of the road or another area away from traffic because staying in the middle of the road can increase the risk of another collision. Once you are safely out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
After leaving your vehicle, remain cautious and avoid standing near traffic, especially on busy roads or in poor weather conditions.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services
If anyone involved in the accident appears seriously injured, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and request ambulance assistance. Remember, some injuries such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries or concussions may not present symptoms straight away, so it is a good idea to visit your GP or a non-emergency medical clinic after the accident if you have any concerns about your health or safety.
You should also contact emergency services if the accident is blocking traffic or there are hazardous conditions such as leaking fuel.
However, not all traffic accidents are legally required to be reported to Tasmania Police. You can complete a report through the Tasmania Police Traffic Crash Reporting System (TCRS) if:
- No one was injured,
- All drivers exchanged details, and
- No vehicles needed to be towed from the scene.
This allows drivers to obtain a Crash Report Number, which can be used for insurance purposes.
If any of the above conditions are not met, you need to report the crash to the Police. In emergency situations, call Triple Zero (000) for police assistance. For non-emergency police matters in Tasmania, you can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, which operates 24/7.
Remember in Tasmania, we have MAIB (Motor Accidents Insurance Board) to assist road users in the event of a motor vehicle accident where you or another person is injured.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Once everyone is safe and emergency services have been contacted, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
Make sure to collect the following information from all drivers involved and take photos, if you can:
- Full names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Vehicle make, model, colour and license plate numbers
When speaking with the other driver, avoid discussing fault or blaming anyone for the accident.
If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their names and contact details as well. Witness statements can sometimes help clarify what happened if there are conflicting accounts of the accident.
Step 5: Document the Accident Scene
After addressing immediate safety concerns, take time to carefully document the accident scene. The more thorough your evidence is, the easier it will be to support your insurance claim.
Start by taking clear photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles. If there are traffic lights or nearby surveillance cameras, make note of their location as well. In addition to photos, record important details about the accident, including the exact time, date and location.
Step 6: Avoid Admitting Fault
Emotions often run high after a car accident, although it is important to remain calm and be careful about what you say at the scene.
Avoid apologising or making comments that could be interpreted as admitting fault, such as “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry”, even if you are trying to be polite.
It’s best not to speculate about the cause of the accident or who is responsible because there may be important details you are unaware of which could affect how fault is determined. For example, the other driver may have been under the influence, unlicensed, distracted, speeding, driving an unroadworthy vehicle or committing another traffic offence that was not obvious at the scene.
For this reason, it is best to let law enforcement and insurance companies handle fault determination.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Unless you wish to contact a panel beater for private repairs, the next step is to contact your insurance company to report the accident. Most insurers require you to lodge a notification as soon as practicable.
When speaking with your insurance provider, provide accurate and honest information about the accident. Share the details you collected at the scene including photos, witness information, police report numbers and documentation of any injuries or vehicle damage.
Depending on your insurer, you may be directed to an approved repairer or you may have choice of repairer and can obtain a repair estimate yourself. Insurers usually only require 1 estimate.
Step 8: Contact a Panel Beater
If your insurer provides you with an approved repairer, follow their guidance and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected as soon as possible. However, if your policy allows you to choose your own repairer, it is important to select a trusted and experienced panel beater, like Kate Presnell Bodyworks.
If your car has sustained dents, scratches, body damage or structural issues in a collision, our panel beaters will conduct a professional inspection to identify all visible and hidden damage.
To make your insurance repair as smooth as possible, we assist by providing prompt estimates, managing claims from start to finish and communicating directly with insurers. We also offer private repair services for clients who are not lodging an insurance claim or who would prefer to arrange independent repairs independently.