What To Do In A Not-At-Fault Car Accident

When you find yourself involved in a car accident, the situation can be overwhelming. Understanding the nature of the accident and your rights is crucial, especially if you are not responsible for the incident. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of accident scenarios, focusing on what to exactly do to ensure you are fully protected in a not at fault accident.

Guide on What To Do in an Accident to Fully Protect Yourself

1. Always stay calm and assess the situation to determine if anyone has been injured.

2. If no one has been injured and it is safe to do so, it is best not to immediately move or drive to the side of the road despite causing temporary traffic in order to take photos of exactly how the accident occurred so that you are protected in case the other party attempts to report the accident with false details.

3. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road signs. Make sure the photos are able to capture both yours and the other party’s vehicle number plates.

4. If there were any independent witnesses (not related to you), be sure to collect their names and contact details. Their statements may be valuable if the other party later changes their version of events and tries to place the blame on you.

5. After the photos have been taken, let the traffic through by driving your vehicles to the side of the road or any spot that is safe for you to walk around.

6. Exchange the following details with the other party:

   a) Vehicle Registration Number

   b) Driver's Licence

   c) Contact Number

   d) Insurance

7. Report the accident to the police if necessary (it is only necessary if the vehicles are not drivable or if somebody was injured). Obtain a Police Report Number from the Officer you made the report to.

8. Call IMOK on 1300 871 185 for a hire car to be delivered immediately to the accident scene.

   
   

9. Lodge a claim with IMOK or your insurer for your vehicle repairs to be arranged. Keep in mind that you won't have to pay for the excess, however lodging a claim with your insurer even for not at fault accidents will impact your insurance premiums to increase the following year at renewal date.

Not At Fault Accident Claims Process

When you are involved in a not-at-fault accident, the process of handling the situation differs from fault-based incidents. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Assessment of Liability

   IMOK and/or insurance companies investigate the accident to determine who was responsible. This involves reviewing the location of the accident, vehicle damage points, police reports, witness statements, and any available footage.

   
   

2. Vehicle Repairs / Claiming Compensation

   If you are found to be not at fault, the most ideal option is to arrange vehicle repairs, claim medical expenses, and other losses from the at-fault party’s insurer by lodging a claim with IMOK.

   
   

3. Accident Replacement Vehicles

   IMOK will arrange a replacement vehicle for you while your vehicle is being repaired. This ensures you are not left without transportation during the claims process.

   
   

4. Legal Support and Advice

   Sometimes, disputes arise regarding fault or compensation amounts. IMOK Legal Team can also provide assistance in this area at zero cost as well if you require it.

   
   

Australia's Leading All-In-One Provider

Understanding that literally everything can be taken care of by simply making one single phone call to IMOK will reduce the stress significantly and help you focus on both mental and physical recovery rather than paperwork.