What To Do After a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be both stressful and traumatic, so it’s essential to know what steps to take for both safety and your legal rights. In this article, we’ll look at what steps should be taken after such a car accident in Perth, Western Australia.
Prioritise Safety
After a car accident, the top priority should always be the safety of all involved. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance immediately; if minor and no injuries occurred, move vehicles to one side of the road in order to prevent obstructing traffic flow; turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers as well.
Exchange Information
Once everyone is safe, exchange information with the other driver. This should include:
- the names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers involved
- Vehicle registration numbers and insurance details
- Names and contact info for any witnesses to the crash
- Gather details on damage estimates and cost estimates.
- Keep detailed notes about any witnesses at or near the scene
If the accident caused injury, death, or property damage, you must notify the police. Call them immediately or visit your nearest police station as soon as possible with all relevant details such as date, time, location and circumstances of the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, it is essential to seek medical assistance after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussion, may not present symptoms right away. A physical examination can help detect any hidden injuries and provide documentation of your damages in case an insurance claim or legal action needs to be taken.
At Gajic Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers in Perth commonly meet with clients who following an accident did not think that they sustained any injury, only to find out that they’re experiencing pain and sometimes loss of movement weeks after.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer.
Once an accident has taken place, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will need full details about the incident including date, time, location and circumstances as well as information about the other driver such as name, address and insurance information. Your insurer can guide you through the claims process and may arrange for repairs to your vehicle if needed.
Gather Evidence
It is essential to collect as much evidence as possible after a car accident. Take photos of the scene, including vehicles’ positions and any damage done, as well as photos of injuries sustained in the incident. This documentation can be used to support both your property insurance claim and any claim that you may have for compensation.
Seek Legal Advice
If you were not at fault for the accident and have suffered severe injuries, seeking legal advice is likely your best course of action. At Gajic Lawyers, one of our personal injury lawyers can guide you through your rights and help pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages associated with the accident.
It is essential to be aware that Western Australia operates under a fault-based system, meaning the driver who caused an accident must compensate the other party for their damages. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through this legal process and guarantee you receive all compensation that you’re eligible to receive.
By way of conclusion, if you are involved in a car accident in Perth, Western Australia, the steps to take include ensuring safety, exchanging information, reporting the incident to police, seeking medical attention, notifying your insurance company, gathering evidence and seeking legal advice. By following these guidelines you can protect yourself legally, uphold your rights and receive all compensation due.
It is essential to be aware of the legal obligations and requirements that must be followed after a car accident in Perth, Western Australia. Neglecting to follow these requirements could compromise your rights to be compensated for any injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
Some additional things to know About Car Accident in Perth
Western Australian law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop their vehicle and render assistance to anyone injured. They also need to exchange information with other drivers involved, including names, addresses and vehicle registration details.
If the accident causes injury, death, or property damage, it must be reported to police. Neglecting to file a report can result in fines, demerit points or even criminal charges if not done promptly.
It’s essential to be aware that drivers in Western Australia must carry Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which covers personal injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident. This coverage is mandatory and must be obtained when registering your vehicle. Even if you were at fault for the crash, your CTP policy will still protect the other party’s injuries and damages.
If you have been injured in a Perth car accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. It is essential that you seek legal advice immediately following the incident in order to protect your rights and of course, ensure that you are compensated for injuries sustained.
Time Limits
Time limits are an essential consideration when seeking compensation for injuries that derive from a car accident in Perth, Western Australia.
Under the Limitation Act 2005 (WA), personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents must be filed within three years of the accident. This means you must file your claim within these three years or you could potentially forfeit your right to compensation.
However, there are exceptions to this time limit. For instance, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, then the time limit may be extended until your 21st birthday. Furthermore, if injuries were discovered later on in life and weren’t apparent at the time, then the limit may be extended from when they became apparent.
It’s essential to seek legal advice from Gajic Lawyers as soon as possible after an accident. The legal process can be complex, and it takes time to gather evidence and build a strong case. The earlier you seek legal representation, the greater your chances of receiving compensation for damages suffered.
In addition to time limits for personal injury claims, there are also deadlines for filing insurance claims. If you wish to make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after the accident – usually within 24 or 48 hours. Most policies require notification within these specified intervals after an incident.
It’s essential to be aware that insurance companies may attempt to downplay their responsibility and offer a low settlement amount. Therefore, legal advice should always be sought before accepting any settlement offer in order to guarantee its fairness and reasonableness.
In conclusion, time limits are an essential factor when filing car accident claims in Perth, Western Australia. Generally, personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of the incident; however, exceptions do exist. It’s essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident in order to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
Other Types of Road Accidents
In Perth, Western Australia, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are all entitled to compensation if injured on the roads. However, the rules and regulations applicable to these types of accidents differ from those involving only cars.
Pedestrians who are injured in a car accident are entitled to compensation under the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943. This act covers personal injury or death caused by an automobile accident and allows pedestrians who sustain injuries to make claims against the driver’s CTP insurance policy.
Cyclists injured in a car accident may be eligible for compensation under the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943. Furthermore, cyclists with comprehensive car insurance policies may also receive payouts. Cyclists must adhere to the same road rules as other vehicles and can be held liable if they cause an accident.
Motorcycle riders injured in a car accident may be eligible for compensation under the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943. Motorcycle riders must adhere to the same road laws as other vehicles and can be held liable if their actions lead to an accident.
It’s essential to be aware that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders are typically more vulnerable than other vehicles and could sustain serious injuries in a car accident. Thus, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is recommended in such cases to protect your rights and ensure you receive any compensation you are eligible for.
In conclusion, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in Perth, Western Australia are also entitled to compensation if they are involved in a car accident. However, the rules and regulations surrounding these types of incidents differ from those involving only cars; so it’s essential that you seek legal counsel so your rights are safeguarded and you receive the compensation that is owed.
We have an Experience team of car accident lawyers in Perth on Gajic Lawyers who can resolve your legal issue. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and No Win-No Fee for all approved cases.
