This blog will help you identify quick and easy steps on how to damage control after you have been in a car accident.  Just remember to follow SHARP.

1. Stop your car and stay on the scene

Make sure to pull over on to a safe spot and switch on your hazards. Make sure it is safe to get out of your car, and then do so. At this point it is advisable to take pictures of the scene and the damage to your car and any other vehicle involved. 

2. Help anyone who has been hurt

Only administer first aid if you are qualified in the applicable first aid level. Further, do not move or adjust any person that has been injured. Rather just stand by them until the ambulance or another rescue unit has arrived.

3. Ambulance

Phone the ambulance immediately, regardless of whether there are injuries or not. Rather be safe than sorry.

4. Report

Inform the police of the collision within 24hrs of the collision. If the police arrive on the scene ensure not to move or remove anything, until they have given you the go ahead to do so. Ensure that you get an accident report and place it in safe keeping as this is needed for any insurance claim or in the event that civil litigation is instituted by or against you.

5. Personal information

Try to get all the relevant information of the people and vehicles involved in the collision. Necessary information includes:

• Name and surname,
• telephone numbers,
• home addresses and
• identity numbers of all people involved.
• registration numbers of vehicles,
• insurance information for vehicles
• date and time of collision
• contact details of any witnesses