Accidents can happen to anyone anywhere. This could mean that you’re at risk coming out of your home, backing up at the mall’s carpark or waiting at the traffic lights. The thing is, you could be the safest driver in the world, but when on the road, things can turn unpredictable at any time. What do you do? Follow these steps below, and you would have an idea on what to do next.
1) Stay Calm
Assess yourself. Are you injured? If you are not injured, exit the vehicle and assess the severity of the accident and the other party. If you are at the middle of the road and can move your vehicle’s, do so at a safer location (side of the road).
2) Exchange Information With The Other Party
Take down the details of the other vehicles and parties involved in the accident. This includes:
- Car registration number.
- Car model, model year and colour.
- Driver’s Name, Address and Phone number.
- Driver’s IC and Driving Licence number.
- If you can, take pictures of the damage, and other details.
- Witnesses’ Name, Address and Phone number.
3) Is The Damage Severe?
Depending on the accident, you could come to an agreement with the other party on settling the matter should it be a minor fender bender. Also note that if your repair costs are under a certain value, you might not be able to make an insurance claim. But if the damage is severe, proceed to make a police report.
4) Make A Police Report
Within 24 hours of the accident. The officer at the police station will inquire into the accident and conclude on who’s responsible for the accident and will issue a summons. You must pay the summons within a month.
5) Call Your Insurance Company
Or their Assistance hotline soonest possible. They will ask questions on the accident and will advise, as well as assist in arranging a tow truck to the nearest authorised panel workshop. Failing to send your vehicle to an approved workshop might prevent you from claiming any damages from the accident.
6) Insurance Claims
The insurance company will send a loss adjuster to assess the damage of your vehicle and find out who’s responsible. A conclusion will be made and the insurance company will be informed on how much you’d be able to claim from the accident. This will result in either a claim from your insurance or the other party’s insurance company.
7) The No-Claims Bonus
Should you claim from your own insurance company, your claim must exceed the excess clause. The insurance company will then pay the difference. But note that once you claim, you will lose your no-claims bonus or NCB. The NCB is the number of years which you have not made claims on your car insurance policy.
8) A Choice To Engage With A Lawyer
If you are comfortable engaging with a lawyer, note that you have a right to choose your own. He or she will be able to help you along the way in filling the claim and to advise you on various matters. You will be required to sign a warrant to act, a document that officially appoints he or she as an authorised person to act on your behalf.
Have you had an experience with a car accident? How was it like? Share it with us in the comments!
Learn to drive more responsibly. Click here to find out the 8 Common Causes of Car Accidents in Malaysia.
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