WHETHER you are involved in a bumper-bashing or a more serious crash, or whether you are a driver, passenger, or even an onlooker, a road crash is an upsetting situation to find yourself in. As soon as you are over the initial shock, what do you do?

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) provides a guide to what to do after a crash.

Stop your car and stay at the scene

First, stop your vehicle and, for road safety, switch on your hazards to warn other drivers. Climb out of your car if it is safe to do so and check if anyone has been hurt. If possible, move any cars that are disrupting traffic, but make sure you document their position on the road first, either by photographing the scene or marking the road with chalk or spray paint (if on hand). If you can, take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles involved in the incident. If a vehicle cannot be moved, then you need to call a towing service. If commuters or pedestrians have been injured, or if property has been damaged, it is road law in South Africa to remain at the scene of an accident until the police have arrived.

Also read: Wet weather driving: How to prevent accidents and drive safely

Help anyone who has been hurt

While you can only be criminally charged for causing the crash and any resulting injuries, as a bystander, you have a moral obligation to help someone who has been hurt in a road accident. Help includes contacting an ambulance or rescue unit, even if the injuries do not appear to be serious. It is critical that you do not move the injured person and that you do not administer first aid unless you are qualified to do so.

Get the details

Record the information of everyone involved in the road crash, including personal details, vehicle registration numbers, tow-truck information and insurance details. Take note of all road names, landmarks, intersections and robots, as you will have to draw a sketch and description of the crash on your police report, and for insurance purposes.

Ensure that you get the following information from the other party:

• Full names (first and middle names and initials, and surnames)
• ID number
• Car registration number
• Address
• Cellphone number and other telephone contact details
• Insurance company details
• Make, model and colour of the other vehicle
• Date and time of the crash
• Details of any eyewitnesses.

Report the incident

Inform the police within 24 hours of the road crash. If the police come to the scene, do not move anything until they say you may. Ensure that you get an accident report number, as this is needed for any insurance claim or third-party claim you may lodge.