Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough without having to chase down details. Exchanging the right information on the spot is essential to protect your future rights to compensation.
Wondering which details to seek and provide in the case of a crash? Read on for everything you need to know.
Regardless of who is at fault, the other driver will need some key details from you and you from them.
Important Note: If the other driver isn't the vehicle's owner, you'll need the owner's contact details and name as well.
Photo and video footage can be instrumental in supporting your case in the event that you are trying to claim compensation. It helps to show the extent of any damage as well as how the incident took place.
Capture the scene of the accident, damage to all vehicles, and any relevant factors like road conditions or skid marks. These pieces of footage provide critical support later when assessing your claim.
Where possible, try to ensure you capture photos of the whole scene as well as close-up images to show the context. Capture photos that include the registration plates of the vehicles involved.
If you are lacking photo or video footage – for instance, if you don’t have a dash cam installed – it is always worth asking the other person or people involved for any footage they may have.
Witness statements can be incredibly helpful when making a claim or trying to verify the details of your accident.
If any pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers witnessed the accident, be sure to get their names and contact details. Their statements can be valuable support for your version of events. If any witness says they have dashcam footage, request a copy of that.
It's always a good idea to speak with a lawyer after an accident, especially if there are injuries involved. Having experienced legal support can protect your rights and ensure your claim starts off strong.
Disclaimer: This information is designed for general information in relation to Queensland compensation law. It does not constitute legal advice. We strongly recommend you seek legal advice in regards to your specific situation. For help understanding your rights, please call 1800 960 482 or request a free case review to talk to one of our lawyers today.