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Motor Vehicle Accidents - A Guide |
The following is intended as a guide in the event that you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is NOT intended to constitute Legal or Medical Advice. We strongly recommend that you obtain such only from suitably qualified Professionals.
Accidents, by definition, occur by accident. They are totally unexpected. And they are something which can be life-changing in their impact. Unfortunately they can often result in serious injury or death of your loved ones, including your children, and can have immediate and profound impact on your sense of self-worth and general wellbeing. In other words, they are far better avoided. At all costs!
The unfortunate outcome of this is that the participants can be injured, in shock, suffering from intense and extreme emotional and psychological trauma, or, at the least, a sense of unreality or detachment.
Most of the following is basic common sense, however at an accident scene common sense is often seriously lacking, either because its lack has caused the accident or as a result of shock from the accident.
Because of this is may be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain objectively accurate information regarding the actual circumstances which led to the accident. Records can be heavily influenced by subjectivity, so to the maximum extent possible it will pay to take written notes of the following where relevant.
To the extent that you are able the information should be completed by you if you are personally involved either as a driver or passenger. If you are a witness it will pay you to also be aware of these issues.
Immediately stop your vehicle if it is still driveable. Do so, as much as is possible, in a position where it will not further endanger those at the scene or other vehicles using the road. If possible place safety markers or place a person in a position to warn oncoming vehicles (a waved torch at night is effective). Rendering the scene as safe as possible should be of high priority. Ensuring that all involved engines are not still running, vehicle ignitions turned off, batteries disconnected if considered relevant (caution of sparks), smokers not
permitted near the area, and primary fires extinguished if present. (If extinguishers are not available either water or sand can help.) If a vehicle is still movable ensure that its handbrake is ON and that it is in gear or "Park" if an automatic transmission.
If safe to do so, switch emergency trafficators on in as many vehicles as possible. This will flag an effective warning to approaching vehicles.
If the accident has caused personal injury and if you or any person at the scene has a mobile phone immediately dial "000" and notify both ambulance and police of the event and its location. In the event of a fuel or oil leak the Fire Brigade also needs to be notified.
In the event that no phone is immediately available or usable flag down a passing motorist and request that they notify the authorities as a matter of urgency. Obtain their name and contact details before they leave the scene.
Render all possible assistance to others involved. If serious injury is observed be very careful with moving the injured person as this may cause physical complications or even further injury.
In the event that there is a likelihood of asphyxiation from inhaled blood try to lower or gently turn the head so that blood exits from the mouth and does not run back into the lungs. Be VERY cautious doing this as it may exacerbate serious spinal injury if this is present. If the tongue is inhaled simply bring this forward using your fingers. If there is an imminent danger of fire, explosion, or further injury or risk to life attempt as gently as possible to move the person to safety without worsening the danger or personally placing yourself at
risk.
As a general guide those involved who are the quietest are the most likely to be seriously injured. The noisiest are probably less so. Often those who are screaming or shouting can be helped by simply using quiet and comforting assurance, at least in the initial stages or until help arrives.
Attempt to keep all persons as warm and as dry as possible. (There is some evidence that body cooling may be beneficial with some types of injury.) If the victim is conscious, reassurance and knowledge that help is on the way are often the most potent "helpers" you can provide. Try to keep all persons as calm as possible, however, because of shock, it may be necessary to speak firmly and clearly to obtain information about occupants in other vehicles etc. Do not speak aggressively but it may be necessary to raise your voice to "cut through the haze".
In the event of serious damage to vehicles make sure that no-one - especially babies or small children - are trapped or hidden in or under wreckage. Be very careful moving them if they are. Also, carefully check the general area as children or even adults can be thrown large distances from the point of initial impact, and may not be in the proximity of the final resting place of their vehicle.
Once those injured are considered "safe" it will pay to consider the circumstances of the accident and identify as many witnesses as possible. Also be aware that offenders can attempt to leave the scene, even if they themselves are injured, and especially so if they were in the process of committing an offence or were drunk or otherwise incapacitated.
When turning off ignitions make very sure that blinkers, trafficators, or lights are not interfered with. This may be important evidence.
In the event that no personal injury is present and estimated damage is less that $2,500 then it is not necessary to notify the police. If personal injury is present or suggested then police notification is required. If in doubt it pays to be sure and notify the police.
If possible it is necessary to give the police and all other parties involved, name of the driver of your vehicle, the driver's or owner's address and contact details, the vehicle's Registration Number, the name of your Insurer if available, and any other information requested by police.
Whilst still at the scene, if possible, obtain as much detail as possible concerning the events and circumstances of the accident. Registration numbers and brief descriptions of all vehicles involved or as witnesses. Specific location, directions in which vehicles were travelling, estimated speeds, specific actions of each vehicle if known, and names and contact details of as many witnesses as possible.
If property other than the vehicle/vehicles is involved and damaged then this must be treated as per another involved vehicle.
If tow trucks are involved we suggest that you obtain the name of the driver, the name of the company, the vehicle's registration number, and the name of the repairer to whom your vehicle is being taken. If you are able we also suggest that you contact your insurer to notify them of the accident and to obtain their approval for the use of the tow and repair location.
Ensure that NO valuables are left in your vehicle if this is removed from the scene unaccompanied by you. This is important.
We strongly suggest that you at least skim-read your insurance policy whilst still in the comfort and security of your own home - prior to an accident! There may be specific requirements such as coverage of vehicle contents, waiver in the event of declaration of fault etc. So take the time. It pays!
The supply of false or misleading information at the scene of an accident, or from circumstances arising from an accident, is an offence which can result in heavy penalties. So do ensure that the information is as accurate and timely as possible. If you are describing the circumstances leading up to the accident be cautious about making claims about the behaviour of others that may be difficult to substantiate at a later time. This is where the presence of witnesses can be invaluable.
In the event that anger is involved - especially as a result of injury to loved ones - be very careful. This can result in serious litigation and - to say the least - extended future discomfort for the innocent!
In other words - it's essential to be co-operative, truthful without self-implication, and as accurate as you can be under the circumstances. To behave with as much dignity, calmness, and common sense as possible.
And we sincerely and fervently hope that you never have to experience the life-changing circumstances of a serious motor vehicle accident. Because once experienced it is not something that you will ever again take lightly!
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