Let’s be honest—accidents happen. Even when you’re a careful driver, things like a momentary distraction, unexpected traffic, or tricky weather conditions can lead to a fender bender. It’s stressful, no doubt, but knowing what to do next can make the situation a whole lot easier to handle.
If you’ve just been in a minor accident, here’s a simple guide to help you stay calm, stay safe, and take the right steps.
1. Move to a Safe Spot (If You Can)
If no one’s hurt and your car is still driveable, the first thing to do is move off the road. Find a nearby shoulder, car park, or side street—somewhere out of traffic.
Blocking the road can cause more danger (and even another accident), so shifting to a safe area helps keep everyone else safe too.
But if your car won’t move, switch on the hazard lights right away and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
2. Check if Everyone’s OK
Before anything else, make sure you and anyone else involved are not injured. If someone’s hurt, even slightly, call emergency services immediately. Better to be safe and have a paramedic check things out than regret it later.
For minor accidents where everyone’s fine, you can go ahead and assess the damage.
3. Stay Calm and Keep It Cool
It’s easy to get flustered, angry, or frustrated after an accident—even a small one. But try to keep your cool. Avoid arguments or blaming the other driver, even if you’re convinced it was their fault.
Instead, focus on staying polite and practical. You’ll get a lot further that way.
4. Exchange Information
Swap details with the other driver. You’ll want to get:
- Full name and contact number
- Licence plate number
- Driver’s licence number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and colour
If there are any witnesses around, grab their contact details too. They might be helpful later if there’s a dispute.
5. Take Photos of Everything
This is one of the most important steps—and people often forget in the moment.
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- The damage to all vehicles involved
- The positions of the cars
- Any skid marks or debris
- The location (street signs, intersections)
- Any injuries (if visible and appropriate)
Photos give your insurance company a better idea of what actually happened and can save you from headaches if the story changes later.
6. Report the Accident (If Required)
In some states or regions, even minor accidents need to be reported to the police or a traffic authority—especially if there’s property damage or if someone doesn’t have insurance.
Check the rules in your area to see if you need to file a report. Even if it’s not required, it’s often a good idea to have a record.
7. Call Your Insurance Provider
Once things are calm and you’re safely off the road, give your insurer a ring. They’ll guide you through the claims process and let you know what documents or info they need.
Don’t delay this step. Reporting it early makes things smoother and avoids complications if the other party files a claim first.
8. Check if Your Car Is Safe to Drive
Even if the damage looks minor, there could be hidden issues—like a bent suspension or leaking fluid. If you’re unsure whether your car’s roadworthy, don’t take the risk.
This is where towing services (like ours) come in handy. We’ve helped plenty of people get their vehicles safely off the road after small accidents. It’s always better to tow it to a mechanic than drive and cause more damage—or endanger yourself.
When the Dust Settles
No one plans for an accident, but knowing how to handle it makes a big difference. A minor bump doesn’t have to ruin your day—or your week. Just take things step by step, don’t panic, and remember: most of the time, everything gets sorted out quicker than you’d expect.
And if you ever find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help get you and your car out of a tight spot.
If you are in Viewbank, Victoria 3084, and looking for a nearby tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Tow Trucks
123 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
0485 856 565
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