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What should I do if I’m involved in a road accident?

If you’re not sure what to do following an accident on the road, we’ve got information to help you handle the situation confidently and safely and make the claims process easier too.

  • person-with-arm-in-sling
    Get the help you need

    If you or anyone at the scene needs urgent medical attention, call 000. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers on the road and give assistance to anyone who may have been injured.

  • digital-camera
    Photograph the incident

    Use your phone to take photos of any vehicles involved. Make sure you capture the positions of the vehicles, the point of impact, any visibly damaged areas and the registration plates.

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    Make the scene as safe as possible

    If the vehicles aren’t obstructing the flow of traffic, they shouldn’t be removed until police have arrived. If they are obstructing the traffic and it is safe to do so, move the vehicles off to the side of the road.

  • document-with-pen-pencil
    Get information from third-parties

    Exchange details with the other driver(s) involved. Collect the following information about any third parties involved:

    • Contact details (name, phone number and address)
    • Vehicle details
    • Insurer details
    • Description of the incident and diagram (if there is a dispute)

    Now is also good time to get the contact details of any witnesses involved.

    Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident because this could have insurance implications.

  • tow-truck
    Vehicle not safe to drive?

    You may need a tow truck, but you aren't obligated to have your car towed by tow trucks that arrive at the scene of the accident without being called. Tow trucks can't tow a vehicle without a signed tow authority, unless they are directed by the police (the vehicle may be causing a further traffic hazard).

    Call us for a tow on 13 7202.

  • text-document-with-checkmark
    Get information ready to lodge your claim

    To make the claims process as smooth as possible, we’ll need some information in addition to the photos and third-party information you’ve already collected:

    • Incident description: Prepare a diagram of the incident, and a brief description of what happened, including the date, time and location of the incident.
    • Your details: Have your name, phone number, and email address ready.
    • Police report number: If you’ve filed a police report, we’ll need the report number.
    • Authorised people: If you’re going to authorise others to discuss your claim (e.g. your spouse or solicitor), have their names and contact details on hand.
    • Loss or damage covered by benefits: If you’re making a claim for specific benefits (e.g. baby seats or personal property), have the details of the loss or damage you’re claiming for ready.

Things to note

Please note that the information contained in this material is in relation to the road rules and requirements for car accidents in Queensland only and is not intended for use in relation to car accidents in other Australian states. 

Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.