How to Deal with a Car Accident in South Africa
You’re driving on the highway when suddenly, your tire blows out and your car spins out of control and slams into another vehicle.
If you live in South Africa, you can file an insurance claim directly with your car insurance company or the car insurance company of the person oror people you hit.
In the United States, however, it depends on whether or not your state has a no-fault auto insurance policy and even then, it depends on what type of accident occurred.
Steps for Dealing With an Accident
1. There are only two choices you can make after an accident, contact the other party or contact the police.
2. Before contacting anyone, try and take pictures of the accident scene so that both parties have evidence of what occurred.
3. If the other party is no longer there, note their license plate number down and call 10111, the police's non-emergency number so they can do some investigating on behalf of you and your insurance company.
4. Get as much information from them as possible; if they were injured or refused medical assistance then get their name, address and date of birth so you can confirm their identity later on and ensure they are not planning on suing you when they don't need to.
5. Contact the police even if they didn't show up but again, before doing this, document all relevant details such as:
When did it happen? What caused it? Where did it happen? Were any people hurt? How many vehicles were involved?
How much damage was done to either vehicle(s)? How fast were the vehicles traveling at?
Were seatbelts used? Does someone need immediate medical attention? Is someone intoxicated/under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
The more information you can provide to the authorities, the better they will be able to help find out who should be held accountable for this event.
It also helps establish who may have been at fault and therefore could be liable for damages. In addition to these facts, ask yourself these questions about the accident: Did I brake suddenly?
Was I speeding? Did I stop without giving enough room between my car and the next lane? Was I going too slow or driving too slowly while the traffic light was green (especially in intersections)?
If so, this could lead one to conclude that you had a role in causing the collision. But never assume responsibility just because you feel guilty - whether it was your fault or not, wait until after getting contacted by law enforcement.
In case of injury where both parties refuse treatment, call emergency services immediately and give them every detail of what happened during the collision. They are professionals who know how to handle any situation and will provide first aid accordingly until ambulance arrives.
With the use of technology nowadays, photos and videos can easily be shared across social media which is why documenting everything has become more necessary than ever.
You want to protect yourself from false accusations and plan ahead for anything else that might arise like showing witnesses photographic proof rather than relying on their own word. Documenting everything means following these steps:
1) Take photos/videos of the incident with as many angles as possible.
2) Record audio recordings
3) Take down names and license plates numbers for everyone involved.
4) Report the accident to the police and request that they come to the location. This can be done by calling 10111, their non-emergency line or calling them to come to the scene of the accident.
5) Get contact information for everyone involved.
6) Gather as much information as you can, e.g., was somebody hurt?
7) Make sure you are fully aware of any potential consequences for claiming responsibility for an accident.
8) Make a record of the accident.
9) Have a witness present for documentation.
10) Try and record any conversations with those involved in the accident.
11) Send copies of the video and images to your lawyer so they can start building their defense against false accusations.
12) This is extremely important: check with your insurance company to see what their policy is on accidents, especially if you are in a country that doesn't require it.
13) If you have contact information for everybody involved, call them to see who they think was at fault so you can start assessing who should be held responsible for this event.
To summarize, take a deep breath and remember to stay calm. Once you have collected the necessary information and done your research, you'll be in a much better position to understand what will happen and how to best deal with it.
Above all else, make sure that you are being responsible in your actions. Remember that if someone is hurt or killed as a result of this accident, you could be charged with criminal negligence leading to death or grievous bodily harm - which is not something anybody wants on their conscience.
Remove Yourself From The Scene
The most important thing you can do following an accident is remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Talk to the other driver, and try to work out who was at fault.
Take pictures of damage on both cars, including license plate information and witnesses. But if the other driver doesn’t stop or flees, go straight to the nearest police station and make a report.
Don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle and collect all your belongings after they take it away for investigation. If you are injured, get immediate medical attention because many injuries may not manifest until hours after the accident.
If you are in doubt about how serious your injuries are and don't want to wait for medical treatment call 112-the Emergency Number.
They will advise you on what to do next. Injuries that require surgery need a medical certificate which you should give to the insurance company that pays for your insurance coverage.
You can also claim compensation by hiring a lawyer but make sure that they have experience with car accidents before agreeing to hire them.
Make sure you are careful when giving statements because it could come back and haunt you later on down the line when the case goes before court.
Lastly, never admit guilt even if somebody else tells you that this is okay and that there are no consequences for doing so (this does not apply when making statements under oath).
You could face criminal charges for providing false testimony and perjury. And once you admit to being at fault, the insurer might increase your premium up to 25%. It's best just to stay silent and provide only the required details.
Insurance companies usually agree on a settlement without going through litigation. There are legal costs involved though, so make sure you know exactly what type of coverages you have before filing a claim.
Once your claim has been settled and paid in full, be mindful of the fact that some forms of insurance include clauses stating that if two claims occur within six months then the company reserves the right to deny future claims.
There are other clauses which state that if someone has more than three crashes within 12 months then they can refuse further claims too.
Remember these clauses exist and always consider them before making any claims because you don't want to put yourself into a position where another crash means having to pay for damages out of pocket - something very few people can afford.
Also remember to maintain good relations with the party who caused your accident as it can affect future claims for years afterwards.
Call the Police
The first thing you need to do is call the police as soon as possible. This can be done by going over to their nearest station and filling out an incident report. The insurance company will need this document, so it's important not to forget about it.
A car accident may be emotional, but the sooner you take care of all necessary procedures, the better off you'll be down the line.
Don't wait until your emotions are calmer or life gets busy--just do it and get on with things! There will always be difficult times, but you can't dwell on them or they won't go away. If anything, dwelling on them will only make you feel worse.
Now that we've gone through what to do when there's been an accident, here are some general tips for drivers:
-Stay calm; it doesn't matter who is at fault because the person who got hurt should be the priority.
-Never admit fault if you're not sure; instead say we don't know.
-If someone is hurt, call for medical assistance right away. If there isn't anyone around who can help, then drive to where medical assistance might be found. For example, if you are traveling near a hospital, drive there.
In order to avoid confusion during the investigation process, stay together in one place (e.g., near the car) and remain calm (don't argue).
When the police arrive after being called by either party involved in the collision, answer their questions truthfully (no matter how much it hurts) and show them any documentation from your insurer.
Finally, exchange information such as names/phone numbers and vehicle license plate numbers just in case one party has to file an insurance claim later on down the road.
That way, both parties will have all relevant contact info for each other. It's important to stay cool and collected when trying to resolve a car accident situation, especially if someone has been injured.
Remember that accidents happen sometimes no matter how good of a driver you think you are--all you can do is do your best to protect others and yourself during the aftermath. You never know when a minor mistake could turn into something really bad.
Take Pictures
1. Include your license plate, along with the date and time of the accident (mm/dd/yyyy, 12:00 am) so the police can easily verify where the incident took place. This will make it more difficult for you and your insurance company to dispute who was driving when.
2. Exchange contact information, including full name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration number and make and model of both vehicles involved in the accident; be sure to include phone numbers for all parties involved so that each party can call the other if any issues arise during the claim process or if they want to share their thoughts on how they want things handled by their insurance company after reviewing what has been proposed by theirs.
3. Take photos of the accident scene, including a photo of your car before it is touched by anyone else - this may serve as evidence later on down the road should there be any discrepancies as to how much damage has been done to either vehicle.
4. Take pictures of any injuries sustained from the crash, from bleeding wounds and broken bones to scrapes and bruises. If there are no visible injuries, take pictures showing exactly where pain is felt in order for someone qualified to give proper medical attention (i.e., an emergency room doctor). It is also important to record the location of said injuries, such as left ribcage, not just back or chest.
5. Have at least two people witness the exchange of information and agree upon which person's insurance company will take responsibility for dealing with the legalities and providing compensation.
6. It may seem like overkill, but do not hesitate to get video footage of everything happening immediately following the accident; even though it might feel embarrassing at first, knowing that you have proof could help lessen the emotional toll if something goes wrong with your case down the lineline
Don't Talk To Other Drivers, Just Stay In Your Own Car
If you see the car that hit you or think it's their responsibility, and get out of your car and approach them, then they are obligated by law to offer some kind of compensation. By getting out of your own car and going up to the other driver, you may be putting yourself at risk for being hit again.
Remember, too, that if it's not clear what happened then there will be an investigation and any statements could be used against you when negotiating compensation. So stay in your own car! Remain as safe as possible until the police arrive and can investigate who is at fault.
The best thing to do is call your insurance company immediately after reporting the accident, who will send someone out on site (usually within 30 minutes). You don't want to wait because the longer you wait, the more likely you'll forget details like how long ago it was or how fast they were driving. The following steps should be taken:
1) Stop other drivers from approaching one another.
2) Contact your insurer promptly and report all facts as soon as possible following a crash.
3) Exchange information with other drivers involved and provide contact information so each party can provide their own insurance carrier name, policy number, policyholder name, policy number, phone number for the nearest office location where claims can be filed and any necessary contact numbers such as lawyer names and addresses.
4) Document everything - this includes photographs of damages and injuries.
5) Ensure other parties agree to speak directly to their respective insurers and not discuss settlement terms with anyone but themselves.
6) Keep accurate records - this includes specific dates, times, locations and witnesses' contact information.
7) Secure crime scene evidence - this includes photographs of traffic signs that show speed limits, skid marks on the road, bloodstains or broken glass from broken lights or windows.
8) Negotiate only through attorneys and never give away rights by signing anything before speaking to them.
9) File medical documentation for injuries incurred and get a medical examination conducted which would document cuts, bruises, breaks or fractures.
10) File an incident report with your local police department to start the process of filing an insurance claim.
11) Make sure you have enough funds in savings account to cover future expenses related to medical treatment as well as time off work etcetera.
12) Get therapy if need be to help cope emotionally with the event and deal with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms triggered from PTSD events including flashbacks, bad dreams about accidents or loud noises that trigger panic attacks.
13) Monitor the progress of your case and get in touch with your insurer or attorney to be kept up to date.
14) Consult with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with an injury, illness or ailment that wasn't previously disclosed to the other driver's insurer.
15) Consider buying additional disability coverage in order to protect financial assets.
16) Read over your homeowner or renters insurance plan to find out if there is coverage for personal property theft, damage and liability for guests that visit.
17) Ask family members for advice on how you should handle the situation and talk things over with them - it's often easier just having someone listen than trying to come up with solutions alone.
18) Find a counselor specializing in traumatic events so you're able to feel better quicker and less stressed.
Call Your Insurance Company
First things first. You should call your insurance company as soon as possible and notify them of the accident.
Your company's response can often depend on what time of day it is, so it's important you call within that 24-hour window after an accident for speedier claims. You'll want to speak with your adjuster about specifics, but here are some general steps to take:
1) Carefully inspect the scene of the incident for any evidence related to the incident. If necessary, do not move from that spot until it is clear who will be taking over.
Responsibility for directing traffic and safety issues at this site. Provide information such as name, address, contact number and policy number to law enforcement if they ask for it.
If there is damage to other vehicles or property, collect information such as license plate numbers and names of drivers (if available).
Ask people involved in the collision if they require medical attention. Be mindful that injured parties may have been taken away by ambulance already.
Inform law enforcement if medical assistance was required but was not given due to lack of access or knowledge of injuries sustained by all parties involved in the collision.
Law enforcement may also ask if alcohol was consumed prior to the collision; informing them could help resolve liability questions later down the line.
Lastly, make sure everyone has exchanged their personal insurance details before leaving the scene. Give those details to law enforcement too, just in case they need to clarify liability later on.
2) Exchange Information with Other Drivers Involved in Collision: Insurance companies will generally ask you who caused the collision when completing a claim form – how do you know?
The party who contacted police first! To avoid being blamed for something that wasn't your fault, exchange information with the driver/s involved and inform police if someone refuses to provide their contact info. It's best to get these details before anything else happens because doing so afterward can lead to arguments and false accusations.
Note: these rules apply if the crash is considered minor. For crashes involving injury or death, follow the advice provided by emergency personnel immediately following the event. Get medical attention ASAP if needed, and wait for authorities to arrive at the scene before exchanging information.
Don’t forget to tell law enforcement if you think either driver has been drinking beforehand. Remember, you're entitled to compensation for any losses incurred as a result of the accident. That includes medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.
And if the other driver doesn't have enough coverage, your insurance company might step in and cover the costs. If you don't believe yourself capable of handling matters at hand right now, feel free to reach out to legal counsel for support through this process.
If you're able to handle it, then the next steps would include submitting your insurance company's initial report of loss form. Keep in mind that if you sign this document without carefully reading it, you are accepting its terms.
If you find any discrepancy with the statement and disagree with it, inform your insurer as well as law enforcement. You must submit a copy of the police report filed to your insurer no later than 10 days after the collision.
If requested, the insurance company must release full information to anyone authorized by law enforcement who requests a copy in connection with a criminal investigation into an accident or collision.
In this situation, the insurance company is not obligated to give a client's contact information to law enforcement, but if they do and police are unable to locate you for further questioning, you can expect a phone call.
It's important that your insurance company knows your whereabouts at all times, so be sure to update them with any changes in phone numbers or email addresses. If an accident causes injury or death, the insured party will have an option of retaining representation.
If you choose not to use legal counsel and proceed without it, understand that by signing your insurance company's initial report of loss form, you are accepting the Terms and Conditions set forth in the document.
If you find any discrepancies with the statement and disagree with it, notify your insurer as well as law enforcement. Once the police report is filed to your insurance company, they are legally obligated to give a copy of the police report to anyone who asks for it.
If you have an accident that leads to injury or death, you have the option of retaining legal counsel. This article should not replace professional guidance from an attorney, but rather serve as general information in what should happen following a car accident in South Africa.
An experienced lawyer will help ensure your rights are protected during the settlement process, which could take anywhere from a few months to more than a year.
When you hire a lawyer, they will complete the necessary forms and answer questions on your behalf. You may also need to pay for your own private investigator if you want additional evidence.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to retain counsel, make sure that you file the police report with the insurance company as soon as possible. It's also important to obtain a copy of the police report and read it over thoroughly.
If there are certain parts of the document that don't agree with your recollection of events, go back to the officer and discuss them with him/her. Lastly, be careful about what information you put online about a recent car accident in order to prevent fraud.
Get Medical Attention If Needed
If the driver of the other car requires medical attention, then make sure they get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Make arrangements with them if they want you to handle any issues that may come up while they are incapacitated like paying the tow truck driver.
If there were people injured who were not driving, make sure they go home or get where they need to be. There's nothing for you do for them at this point so make sure their caretakers know what happened.
If You Need More Assistance (three sentences)
If you have any questions or would like more information about filing an insurance claim after an accident in South Africa, please contact us at *********.
We are here 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help you through the process. We will be happy to help. Let's take a look at how to deal with an auto collision in South Africa:
Get Medical Attention: If anyone is hurt and needs immediate medical attention, call emergency services right away.
Even if the person seems okay or says they're fine, it could turn out that something is wrong internally and they could end up worse off without treatment.
Take Photos: Once you've got everyone taken care of who needs it most urgently, take photos of the accident scene from different angles so you'll have all your bases covered when it comes time to file your claim.
Note what kind of vehicle each party was driving and gather as much paperwork from each person involved as possible including license, registration documents etc., then take photos before anything is moved - everything is going to change once traffic arrives on the scene.
Look for signs of drug use, alcohol consumption or weapons use. These can be important factors in deciding fault and liability.
In some cases, especially when alcohol has been consumed by either driver, someone will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test.
Submit without hesitation - even if you believe yourself not guilty, it might help the other side avoid conviction later on by proving guilt via lack of credibility.
Remember that no matter what happens, things will work themselves out eventually as long as both parties are cooperative throughout the entire process and we can't emphasize enough how crucial cooperation is during an insurance claim after an accident in South Africa!
Getting one's story straight is critical, because once all sides' stories match and contradicting pieces of evidence don't exist anymore, it becomes much easier to settle the case. Call us today at ********* or email ******@********* with any questions.
We'll be happy to help you through the process. Let's take a look at how to deal with an auto collision in South Africa: Get Medical Attention: If anyone is hurt and needs immediate medical attention, call emergency services right away.
Even if the person seems okay or says they're fine, it could turn out that something is wrong internally and they could end up worse off without treatment.
Take Photos: Once you've got everyone taken care of who needs it most urgently, take photos of the accident scene from different angles so you'll have all your bases covered when it comes time to file your claim.
Note what kind of vehicle each party was driving and gather as much paperwork from each person involved as possible including license, registration documents etc., then take photos before anything is moved - everything is going to change once traffic arrives on the scene.
Look for signs of drug use, alcohol consumption or weapons use. These can be important factors in deciding fault and liability.
In some cases, especially when alcohol has been consumed by either driver, someone will ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test. Submit without hesitation - even if you believe yourself not guilty, it might help the other side avoid conviction later on by proving guilt via lack of credibility.
Remember that no matter what happens, things will work themselves out eventually as long as both parties are cooperative throughout the entire process and we can't emphasize enough how crucial cooperation is during an insurance claim after an accident in.
South Africa! Getting one's story straight is critical, because once all sides' stories match and contradicting pieces of evidence don't exist anymore, it becomes much easier to settle the case.
When does South Africa recognise foreign drivers licences? The moment a person acquires their foreign drivers licence; for example,
Australian drivers licenses are recognised by South African authorities only after 3 months since first entering the country.
Foreign driving licences need not be exchanged for local ones but must instead be renewed every three years; otherwise local laws apply irrespective of nationality.
All foreign drivers licences need a translation which must be done by a registered translator in order to authenticate the document with the original language version. It should also state A certified copy.
