What To Do If Someone Hits Your Car: Immediate Steps to Take

an image of a car accident in Melbourne
Written by Gennaro Fittipaldi 
on 23 Jan, 2025

Imagine this… you’re just going about your day when BAM! someone hits your car.

Panic sets in, but don’t worry! Stay calm and follow these steps; you’ll be a pro in no time.

First, ensure everyone is safe by turning on hazard lights and checking for injuries. Then, gather information and document the scene.

This will walk you through what to do if someone hits your car, step by step, so you can easily handle the unexpected.

Key Takeaways

  • Move your vehicle to a safe location, check for any injuries, and call emergency services if necessary.
  • Obtain information from all parties involved, including personal and insurance details, for claims purposes.
  • Capture the scene with photos and gather witness statements, then report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Ensure Safety First

Emergency services responding to a car accident.

Your top priority after any car accident is to ensure safety.

Gather Information from All Parties Involved

After ensuring safety, gather all necessary information from those involved in the accident.

This includes obtaining the other driver’s name, address, contact details, license number, car registration, and insurance information. Share your personal details with the other driver as well.

It’s crucial to meticulously document every aspect of the incident, including all individuals involved, their vehicles, and insurance policies. This thorough documentation simplifies the claims process and clarifies third-party coverage responsibilities.

Document the Accident Scene

Documenting the accident scene with evidence collection

Documenting the scene is key to any future claims or legal action. Start by taking many photos from different angles to get the full extent of the damage to all cars involved.

Include road signs, conditions, and surrounding features in your photos to provide context for the accident. Make sure your images are timestamped to show the sequence of events.

Also, create a detailed diagram of the crash site, including vehicle positions and surrounding features. If you have dashcam footage or surveillance images, get them as they’re unbiased evidence.

If the vehicle is badly damaged, don’t drive it and get a tow. Check the damage to see if your car is safe to drive; if there are leaking fluids or other hazards, leave the car and call a tow truck.

Check for Witnesses

Witnesses can be crucial in determining what truly happened. Approach any bystanders and enquire if they witnessed the incident. Collect their names and contact information, as their testimony can support your version of events.

If there are no CCTV cameras around, witnesses become even more important. Their statements will be key for insurance claims and legal action. Get as much evidence from witnesses as you can, it will support your claim and help determine fault.

Contact Emergency Services

Contacting emergency services after a car accident

In any car accident in Melbourne involving injuries or significant damage, you need to call emergency services.

Call 000 if someone is injured or if there’s damage to any of the vehicles involved.

The police will create a report that will be essential for car insurance claims and any legal action. In Melbourne, you need to report the accident to the police if the other driver doesn’t provide their details, if there’s property damage or if the car needs to be towed.

If the other driver doesn’t provide their details or leaves the scene, you need to call the police straight away. Having the authorities involved means the incident will be officially documented, and you’ll have the support you need to go through the insurance and legal process.

Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer as soon as possible. Give them all the accident details including the other driver’s details, their car rego and the police report number.

Reporting in time means your claim won’t be delayed.

When you call your insurer, have all your documentation ready, including your policy details and any evidence you’ve gathered from the scene. This will help speed up the claims process and give a full account of what happened.

Filing in time is critical as time limits can impact the outcome. Ensure you report the accident and submit your claim within the timeframe to avoid hassles.

Handling a Hit-and-Run Accident

Car involved in a hit-and-run accident.
A hit-and-run is a special case, but there are steps you can take. First, call the police and report the incident immediately. Get as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene and any vehicle damage.

Notify your insurer about the hit and run and give them all the evidence you have. This will help process your claim and get you the support and compensation you need.

What to Do If the Other Driver Refuses to Exchange Information

If the other driver doesn’t give you their details, don’t stress. Note down their car rego and a description of the driver. This will help the authorities find the other party and investigate.

If the other driver is not present, e.g. if you hit a parked car, leave a note with your details on their windscreen. This shows good faith and means the other party can contact you to exchange details later.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Understanding your insurance coverage is key to dealing with an accident. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers many events, including damage to your vehicle and others, regardless of who’s at fault.

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which is mandatory in Australia, covers injuries to others caused by an accident you’re responsible for but doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle.

Third Party Property insurance covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property.

But not your own vehicle.

When you make a car insurance claim, the policyholder is usually liable for an excess, which is deducted from the claim payout. Knowing the excess and premium increases is important to manage your expectations and financial responsibilities.

Filing a Car Insurance Claim

Filing a car insurance claim after an accident

Filing a car insurance claim involves several steps to ensure a successful outcome. First, gather all the evidence you can, including photos, witness statements and a full description of the damage. This evidence will support your claim and fully explain what happened.

You can claim over the phone or online. Most insurers have a dedicated portal to submit a claim at any time. A claims specialist will provide a quote for the repairs and walk you through the assessment process.

It’s important to compile all necessary details, such as the incident’s date, time, location, and driver information. If the other driver is responsible, your at-fault driver’s insurer will negotiate with their insurance and the other driver’s insurer to settle your claim, especially if the driver involved is determined to be at fault.

When to Consult a Lawyer

In some situations, consulting a lawyer after a car accident is advisable. If you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, seeking legal advice is essential to understand your rights and potential compensation.

At Fittipaldi Lawyers, we specialise in offering expert guidance in car accident cases, ensuring you receive tailored advice based on your unique circumstances.

As experienced car accident lawyers, we help you navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations, advocating for your fair treatment by insurers. Engaging our legal assistance early can significantly enhance your chances of gathering necessary evidence and securing appropriate compensation.

Summary

After a car accident, the steps you take can greatly impact the outcome. Start by prioritizing safety, gathering information, documenting the scene, and promptly reporting the incident to your insurance company. Understanding your insurance coverage and knowing when to seek legal advice is essential.

By following these steps, you’ll confidently navigate the complexities of an accident’s aftermath. Stay calm, stay informed, and take decisive actions to protect yourself and achieve the best possible outcome when someone hits your car.

Remember, knowing what to do if someone hits your car can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I claim car insurance if not at fault?

To claim car insurance when you are not at fault, gather witness information and take photos of the accident scene. Then, promptly contact your insurance provider to initiate the claim process.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

After a car accident, make sure you’re safe by checking for injuries and calling emergency services if needed. Move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.

What information should I gather from the other driver?

To get a full exchange of information, gather the other driver’s name, address, contact details, license number, car registration and insurance details and provide your own details. This will help with any follow-up or claims.

How should I document the accident scene?

Document the scene by taking multiple photos from different angles, including road signs and conditions, and timestamp the photos. Collect any dashcam or surveillance footage, if available, to give a full account of what happened.

What should I do if the other driver refuses to exchange information?

If the other driver won’t give you their details, note their car registration number and description of the driver. If they’re not there, leave a note with your details on their car.

Gennaro Fittipaldi

Gennaro Fittipaldi specialises in WorkCover and personal injury litigation, with over a decade of experience defending claims across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Formerly an in-house lawyer at WorkSafe Victoria and a Senior Associate at Minter Ellison, he possesses unique insights into insurer operations, enhancing client outcomes. Gennaro is renowned for his technical expertise and a supportive approach, offering strategic, informed advice to guide clients through complex litigation processes.
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