With a spate of recent accidents on Queensland roads, it is timely to remind ourselves of the duties a driver has after they are involved in a traffic accident.
- Drivers are legally obliged to stop immediately and to assist anyone who may be injured in a car accident.
- Drivers must provide their name, address, the name and address of the car’s owner and the registration number to any person injured, the owner of any property damaged or a police officer who is present at the scene.
- If the combined property damage to all vehicles could exceed $2,500.00 or if any person is killed or injured, full particulars of the accident must be given to a police officer at the scene. If no police officer is present, then the accident must be reported to the police station nearest to the accident’s location within 24 hours of the accident occurring.
- Drivers must remove all dangerous debris which falls from their vehicle after an accident. This includes oil and fuel spills as well as glass.
There are also a number of actions that a driver can take after an accident which will make an insurance claim much easier. These include:
- Taking the names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident.
- Recording the details of any conversations.
- Most mobile telephones now have built-in cameras. Take a photograph of the accident scene and the position of the vehicles if possible. If no camera is available, make a sketch plan.
- No admission regarding fault should be made at the accident scene. Determination of fault should be left to the insurance companies at a later time.