If you are involved in an accident on the road, don’t panic. Keeping cool and knowing what to do can save you a lot of trouble and help limit the damage. So what do you need to do should you get into an accident?
I. At The Scene
If your vehicle has knocked into another vehicle, and no one is physically injured, you should take the following steps:
> If your vehicle is obstructing traffic, move your vehicle to the side
> Avoid arguing with the other party and remain calm.
> Be diplomatic to resolve the situation
> If necessary, negotiate effectively. You may exchange particulars and be sure to note the following:
- Vehicle registration number, make of the vehicle (year and model), colour
- Driver’s particulars (name, address, identity card number, driving license number, and contact phone number)
- Exact time, date and location of the accident
- Insurer’s name and insurance policy number of vehicles involved.
- Details of witnesses and injured persons, if any.
> Call someone for advice (prices for repair or replacement, nearest workshop, etc)
If the accident caused injuries:
> Help to remove the injured person from the accident vehicle
> Get help to send the injured passenger to the clinic or hospital for treatment.
> Go through the “At the Scene” steps
If the accident caused death:
> Do not move your vehicle, and stay calm
> Avoid arguing with the other party.
> Call the emergency line (Police, Ambulance) for assistance. Wait for their arrival.
> Go to the police station immediately to file a report and get assistance.
II. Making A Police Report
In Malaysia, you are required by law to report any accidents within 24 hours. At the police station, be sure to bring along necessary documents namely valid driving license, identity card, updated car registration card and valid insurance policy.
At the traffic inquiry counter (Traffic division), you will need to fill in the form provided by the officer-in-charge. When filling the form, remember to explain in detail what exactly happened at the accident. You will be required to sketch out the position of the vehicles involved.
You will then be asked to give a statement and sit for an interview (usually with a high ranking officer e.g. Sergeant, Sub-inspector or Inspector). If you are found guilty, the officer will issue you a compound or summons receipt.
Insurance Claim
When you get into an accident, always notify your insurer, even if you do not intend to make a claim, for protection against liability resulting from the accident. Should you decide to file a claim, there are two types of claims, which can be made: Own Damage (OD) claim or third party claim.
Own Damage Claim
For OD claims, you will be required to submit the following documents to your insurer: original police report, owner’s IC and driving licence, driver’s IC and driving licence, updated car registration card, valid insurance policy and Vehicle Road Tax.
Third Party Claim
If necessary, you can also do a third-party claim by submitting your documents to the third party insurance company.
You will be required to have a copy of the following: original police report, owner’s IC and driving licence, driver’s IC and driving licence, updated car registration card, valid insurance policy, Vehicle Road Tax, police sketch plan, results of police investigation and third party police report.
After submission of documents, you should engage an independent motor claim adjustor company to get a report of your vehicle repair area and replacement parts estimation list. You are then required to submit all documents to your insurance company and the third party insurance company. Always remember to request for an acknowledgement receipt from both parties’ insurance companies to avoid mishandling.
> This article is contributed by TOC Automotive College (TOC). Visit toc.edu.my or toc.edu.au for more information.
