Have you ever been in a road accident? I know this question may sound traumatic for many of you guys out there because some might have had a tragic injury or lost a loved one in a speedy car crash or similar. Always remember that a fast car might take you to the destination faster, but with the same speed, it can cost you your life or the life of your loved ones, so drive safely to avoid it. Speeding negatively impacts the climate as well; to prevent it, always prefer using AIC technology in your vehicle to low CO2 emissions. And now, If we talk about the statistics of accidents in Malaysia in the last three years, that’s huge to discuss:
“Road accidents decreased 11.5% in 2021, with 47,951 fewer cases recorded than the previous year (2021: 370,286 cases). Additionally, there were 4,539 deaths caused by road accidents in 2021, a decrease from the 4,634 deaths recorded in 2020. Selangor had the highest number of road accidents with 108,564 cases, followed by Johor and W.P. Kuala Lumpur with 49,559 and 40,237 cases respectively”-By Department of Statistics Malaysia
The main reason for these frequent car accidents is only one, and that is not doing the right things at the time of accidents. Many people could have been saved long ago if they had enough information about what to do at the right time. This article will cover everything that you need to know about what to do after a car accident in Malaysia.
What to do After Car Accident?
There are vital steps that you must take should you ever get into an unfortunate car accident in Malaysia. To start off:
1. Ensure your Safety First
The first and most important step after a car accident is to ensure your safety. Check for any immediate dangers, such as fire or gas leaks. If your car is in poor condition, staying inside may not be safe. Exit the vehicle immediately if there is any suspicion of danger.
Next, check yourself for any physical injuries, paying particular attention to your head and neck. Whiplash is a typical car accident injury that may not be immediately obvious.
If you have sustained any injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Obtain a medical report and copies for future insurance claims. Remember to prioritize your safety above all else following a car accident.
2. Relocate your Vehicle to a Safe Place.
Once you have ensured your safety and checked for injuries, it’s time to address the accident. If you are not severely injured and your vehicle is still driveable, move it to the side of the road or another safe area.Besides, if you get hurt badly and cannot move aside, immediately call the police and ask for help. This will clear the roadway for other drivers and allow you to exit your car safely. This will clear the roadway for other drivers and allow you to exit your car safely. However, before moving the vehicle, take a few pictures of the initial collision scene for your insurance claim.
3. Exit the Vehicle and Assess the Damage
Once your vehicle is safe, take a thorough look at the damage to your car and the other driver’s vehicle if it is involved. Take pictures of the damage from all angles. Having as much evidence as possible is crucial when filing an insurance claim.
4. Document the Whole Scene and Surroundings
Move your car to the side of the road and use hazard lights and a warning triangle to alert other drivers. If you are affected in an accident with another driver, both parties should move their vehicles to the side of the highway and turn off the engine. Take note of the location and time of the accident, as this information will be helpful when filing a police report. Documenting the scene and surroundings can provide valuable Evidence for any potential insurance claims.
5. Do not Panic in this Situation
Remain composed and avoid panicking in the event of a car accident.Never get emotional in the situation of what to do after car accident injury.Instead of becoming emotional and making accusations, focus on gathering Evidence and information to minimize any potential loss. Keeping a level head will increase your chances of obtaining the necessary information.
6. Don’t Forget to Take Evidence from the Surroundings
Gather Evidence to support your insurance claim by taking pictures of the damages to both vehicles and the accident scene, including any relevant details. Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, identification number, driving license number, vehicle registration number, make, model, colour, and insurance company contact information. Capture images of the other driver and their license plate as well.
Additionally, gather information from any potential witnesses to the accident and document their statements as supporting Evidence. It is important to have all of this information in case of disputes or denied claims.
7. Try to Settle the Matter
If both parties agree, a direct settlement can be reached where fault and damage costs are determined. However, this can be challenging as repair cost estimations may not be accurate. It is best to only consider a direct settlement for minor damages and to file an insurance claim for severe injuries.
8. File a Complaint to the Police
Make sure you file a police report within 24 hours of the accident. This is important because the police report is a mandatory part of your insurance claim. Be sure to ask for a certified copy, as you might need it later during your insurance claim.
9. Decide Whether you Need Insurance or Not
When deciding whether to claim insurance after an accident, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:
- It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of whether you decide to claim insurance or not.
- You should be aware of the potential impact on your No Claim Discount (NCD) and any excess clause in your policy. Remember that your NCD could be as high as 55% in Malaysia, so if the claim amount is low, you may be better off not claiming insurance.
- If your policy has an excess clause, your claim must be above that threshold for the insurance company to pay the difference.
10. Fix your Car
When your car requires repairs, it’s important to consult your insurance company before taking action. They may have a preferred provider for tow trucks or panel shops that can make claiming insurance easier. Once approved, a tow truck can take your car to a panel shop for repairs.
10 Bonus Driving Tips to Avoid Accidents
- Keep a safe span from the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more time to react in case of sudden stops or turns.
- Always use your turn signals when switching lanes or turning. This lets other drivers understand your intentions and helps to avoid collisions.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone or eating while driving. Distracted driving is one of the foremost causes of accidents, and it is important to keep your full attention on the road at all times.
- Always obey traffic laws and posted speed limits. Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of any accidents that do occur.
- Keep your vehicle in good repair and ensure all lights and brakes are working correctly. Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle is running safely and optimally.
- Keep your eyes moving by regularly checking mirrors, blind spots, and traffic around you. This helps you to stay aware of what is happening on the road and to anticipate potential hazards.
- Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react accordingly. For example, if you notice a driver who is swerving or braking erratically, give them a wide berth and be prepared for them to make a sudden move.
- Avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving is a significant cause of accidents and can have severe legal consequences.
- Use your headlights in low-light conditions and heavy weather like rain or fog. This makes it easier for you to see the road and for other drivers to see you.
- Take a break and rest if you feel drowsy while driving. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving, so if you feel tired, pull over and rest before continuing your journey.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be traumatic for you and your family. And if we look at the statistics from the last few years, the numbers are terrible! The biggest reason for all this unfortunate happening is not knowing what to do after a car accident. This is what we focused on in this article; we tried to discuss the 10 most important things to consider right after a car accident, to keep you safe. In addition, we also explained the ten most effective driving tips to help you avoid any accidents in the future. We hope that this article is informative on how to handle a car accident, so make sure you follow all of these instructions well. For more information, stay in touch with kineflux.