What should I do if I’m in a road accident?

Being involved in a car accident is never easy. The moments immediately afterwards can be confusing and overwhelming, but having a clear idea of what to do can help you stay calm and manage the situation more effectively.

If you’re not injured and are able to move, these are the steps to follow.

Stop safely
No matter how minor the accident may seem, you are legally required to stop. If your vehicle is still driveable, switch on the hazard lights and stop on the side of the road or in the emergency lane.

If the vehicle can’t be moved, apply the handbrake and switch on the hazard lights. As soon as it is safe to do so, place a warning triangle between 45 and 100 metres behind your vehicle to reduce the risk of further collisions.

Call for help
If anyone has been injured, if an animal has been harmed, if property has been damaged, or if the vehicles involved are creating a road hazard, call for help by dialling 112 from any mobile phone. This will connect you to emergency services and allow the appropriate assistance to be dispatched.

If your vehicle needs to be towed, contact your insurer for guidance and confirm that the tow truck operator is accredited before accepting assistance.

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, focus on staying safe and visible, and avoid putting yourself at risk. If you are able to assist safely, refer to our guidance on what to do if you’re first on scene at an accident and basic first aid steps. Do not attempt to treat or move an injured animal yourself, rather contact the NSPCA for assistance.

Gather information
When the situation is stable, note the time, date and location of the accident, as well as the weather and traffic conditions at the time.

Politely exchange details with the other driver(s), including names, contact numbers and insurance information. Avoid admitting fault or discussing who may be to blame at the scene.

Document the accident thoroughly by taking photos of:
• All vehicles involved
• Vehicle number plates and licence discs
• Driver’s licences
• Street names, road signs and lane markings
• Property damage, road conditions and skid marks

Take as many photos as you can from different angles. If there are CCTV or traffic cameras in the area, make a note of their location. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact details.

Only leave the scene if it is safe and lawful to do so. If anyone has been injured, wait for the police to dismiss you. If your vehicle is being towed, remember to remove all valuables beforehand.

Seek medical attention
Don’t ignore symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea or unexplained pain. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious and can develop hours or even days after an accident. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.

Keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions and invoices, as these may be required for insurance or legal purposes.

File an accident report
If the police do not attend the scene, you are required to report the accident at the nearest police station within 24 hours. You will be asked to provide a factual description of what happened and may need to assist with a sketch of the incident.

Be sure to obtain a case number or accident report number, as this will be required for insurance claims and any third‑party processes.

Contact your insurer
Notify your insurance provider of the accident and provide all relevant details as soon as possible. This may include photographs, your accident report number, medical reports, and any other official documentation. The more accurate and complete the information you share, the smoother the claims process is likely to be.

It’s important to inform your insurer within a reasonable period, even if you don’t intend to submit a claim. If the accident was not your fault, you may choose to recover damages directly from the at‑fault driver’s third‑party liability insurer. However, you will still need written confirmation from your own insurer stating that you do not intend to claim from them.

Our technology can assist you
In the aftermath of an accident, having reliable support can make a meaningful difference. Impact detection technology, available with Tracker Care, instantly alerts the control centre if your vehicle is involved in a collision. If you are unable to respond, emergency services are automatically dispatched to your location, helping to ensure assistance reaches you quickly when it matters most.

Tools such as dashcams can provide clear footage of the incident and its surrounding circumstances, while vehicle telematics record key data such as the date and time of the accident, speed and braking patterns.

Together, these technologies are designed to support you during a stressful time – offering reassurance, support and practical assistance so you’re not facing the situation alone. Explore how Tracker can support you on the road.


What should I know?
What should I do immediately after a road accident?
Your first priority is safety. If you’ve been in a car accident, switch on the hazard lights and move to the side of the road or emergency lane if your vehicle is driveable. If there are injuries, damaged property or a road hazard, call for help by dialling 112.

Who should I contact after a car accident?
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to contact emergency services or the police immediately. In South Africa, you are required to file an accident report with the police within 24 hours, and you should contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible, even if you don’t plan to claim. If medical symptoms develop later, seek professional medical care.

What information do I need to collect after an accident?
Note the time, date and location of the accident, as well as the weather and traffic conditions. Exchange contact, licence and insurance details with the other driver(s) and document the accident scene with photos of the vehicles, number plates, road signs, damage and surroundings. If there are witnesses or nearby CCTV cameras, record those details too.